Fresh!

Yesterday I opened up all the windows in my house and let in the fresh air!  I breathed in deeply the soft spring air.  There is such a difference between the old winter recycled air and air blowing in the open windows.  It was time to do this.

The windows stayed open all night. I'm not sure this made a difference but I slept so much better and felt more refreshed.  It was comforting to view the orange-pink beginning of a sunrise at 6:15 a.m.

My furnace hasn't come on but once in 5 weeks.  I'll turn it off.  It is time.

All my heavy winter clothes, the sweaters, the corduroy pants, and the turtleneck shirts, went into storage yesterday and out came the light-weight cottons, linens and my favorite plaid seersucker pants which I've patched over and over.  It was time.

I'm in a new routine after breakfast: water the pots of pink petunias on the front porch with the watering can, go out in the back yard, grab the hose and water the pots of flowers, the two tomato plants, the daisies and the basil, then put fresh water in the bird bath.  It's also time for this.

Yesterday I also finished and printed out a list I started, "2014 Spring Cleaning."  It's morphed into three typed pages!  I never finish all the various projects in one spring and summer but manage to do quite a lot every year.  It's past time for this to begin.

The three new robins in the nest in the holly busy beside my front sidewalk are tiny.  The mother protests when anyone passes by.  The bunnies have multiplied.  I've got to refill the bird feeders again.  Yes, it's time for this, too.

Can you see the three pointy beaks waiting for food?  They grow so fast!  In a day or two, their eyes will be fully open and they might be able to sit up! (5/8/14)

Spring activities and thoughts always include a wall painting project.  This year it will be the guest bedroom and bath that's overdue for a makeover.  I'm almost ready to go buy the paint (but haven't decided on a color yet).  It's time!

Now that the house is well on its way to feeling "fresh" and new, what about "me?"  What can I do to renew? This is definitely a more difficult project!  For one thing, yesterday, I signed up for a "retreat," "Women's One-Day spiritual Exercises."  It's offered by my church's diocesan office in June.

In high school, it was suggested to us that when we have major 'life changes,' such as graduation into the work world, marriage, etc., we set aside some time to meditate on what is coming, more specifically, where God is leading us and what he wants us to do.  Last June, I just jumped into retirement from working for money and haven't stopped since!  I am needing some 'discernment,' I feel.  The brochure I printed out states, "Based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, Meditations given by a priest of the Legionaries of Christ, Opportunities for Confession, spiritual Direction, Rosary, Eucharistic Celebration.  A reflective,silent retreat enriching one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ."  Looks like just what I need!

Lord God, you told us there is a time for everything. We thank you for the beautiful, refreshing season of spring that gives us new energy, a happy outlook on your world!  We can always count on you to lead us and guide us.