[03 quotes]

"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." 

— G.K. Chesterton

"I don't deny," he said, "that there should be priests to remind men that they will one day die. I only say that at certain strange epochs it is necessary to have another kind of priests, called poets, actually to remind men that they are not dead yet." 

— G.K. Chesterton (Manalive)

[02 how to settle in]

First day. We arrived late last night,
I got to bed 0230am.
I went running today, it felt good.
I've put down a rug, hang the curtains
and arranged my books.
Tomorrow might try to get a library card
and find the swimming hall.
Just wish the weather wasn't so grey.
I had been thinking how can I settle into
a family life, but realised today I still carry
all independence (which can be rather enviable trait)
to join or not to join various activities
and am only responsible for myself.

Thank you God that you are opening the doors.
I'm still habitually drinking tea and
thinking of someone far away.
Jesus bless this neck of the Herwoods forests.
Bring the job through please.

01 [preparation]

A friend of mine send me this in an email this morning. As lots of us, myself included, 

are on the cusp of new seasons here, I found it appropriate. It is a prayer for new life in transitions, from the Common Prayer book by Shane Claiborne &comp. 

Lord help me now to unclutter my life, to organise myself in the direction of simplicity.

Lord teach me to listen to my heart; teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it.

Lord, I give you these stirrings inside me. I give you my discontent. I give you my restlessness. I give you my doubt. I give you my despair. I give you all the longings I hold inside.

Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth; help me to listen seriously and follow where they lead through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.

Amen.