Sunday, January 06, 2008

And the seasons, they go round and round

We can't return, we can only look behind from where we came
And go round and round and round in the circle game.
(--Joni Mitchell, as those of a certain age know well)

Well, the tree has been hauled off to the park for recycling, the ornaments and garlands are all packed away, the wreath is off the front door, and the furniture has been put back in its customary location. Will we be able to keep Christmas in our hearts as the days go by?

Our hymns and sermon this morning were all very Epiphany-oriented, but we managed to squeeze out just a little more Christmas with our anthem, "Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light/And usher in the morning...". I'm grateful for the opportunity to sing Bach, and to give thanks again for God-with-us.

Such a hectic Christmas this was, with my MIL's surgery. She is slowly improving, but will need several months to heal from this drastic operation. She will begin physical therapy this week. My sister-in-law left this morning, after a week--we were sorry to see her go, for many reasons. Along with all of the week's caregiving activity, the three of us found time to watch several movies (300, Marie Antoinette, and Pan's Labyrinth--how's that for diversity?), accompanied by good homecooked food and fine Italian wines. Yesterday we took a break and went downtown to see Lucy. The exhibit includes magnificent icons and other artifacts from the Ethiopian church, and those were as interesting to me as the anthropological aspects of the exhibit, including Ms. Lucy herself.

And now another busy and trying week begins. Neither major surgery nor major caregiving is for sissies. I would appreciate your prayers this week for the fruit of the Spirit--for all of us.

11 comments:

Jan said...

May the presence of God-with-us carry you and your MIL through this time of recovery.

Terri said...

My MIL is schedule for knee replacement on Wed, assuming all her pre-surgery tests are normal...so, I am right there with you. Prayers indeed!

Lori said...

Have been a major in the army of life a few times myself this past decade. Nope, not for sissies.

You have my prayers and many many (((((())))))

St. Casserole said...

For strength and hope and laughter, I'll pray for these for you and yours.

don't eat alone said...

Prayers are coming your way -- and I do love "The Circle Game."

Peace,
MIlton

Stratoz said...

saw movies 2 and 3. Liked them both. hope the healing goes well for your MIL.. saw mine this past weekend.

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you and your family.

Diane M. Roth said...

prayers for you and all from where we are.

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Now you have me humming the song! Have you ever heard the Ian and Sylvia version of it?

Praying for you, and thanking YOU for your prayers on my behalf. I am deeply sad, but coping.

LIFE, most times, is not for sissies, dang it all.

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

Doing just that for you and yours. Wish I could bring over a pie.

Jody Harrington said...

Let me know if we can help, zorra. Give our best wishes to your MIL, please. And a hug to you, the Scientist and Amie!