“The object of education is to put a child in living touch with as much as may be of the life of Nature and of thought…. a child has natural relations with a vast number of things and thoughts: so we must train him upon physical exercises, nature, handicrafts, science and art, and upon many living books….Add to this one or two keys to self knowledge, and the educated youth goes forth with some idea of self management, with some pursuits, and many vital interests.” ~~ Charlotte Mason, 1923"The kingdom of God is a party," Tony Campolo said. When we've lost our joy, sometimes we need to get away and hear the quiet...and sometimes we need to minister to others who are feeling dull, show how parents, Christians, old fogeys like us, can do a little more. Do you know the phrase "la yapa," which is related to the word lagniappe? It's something a market vendor throws in for free with a purchase; the same idea as the thirteenth doughnut in a baker's dozen.
"...they need not just give up and 'sit', living other people's lives on the screen and 'graduating' one day to the place where they have no interest, no enthusiasm, and no excitement....the impersonal universe of man's making is one which does not produce a base for creativity." ~~ Edith Schaeffer, 1971
"A leisurely education offers freedom from the small round of busywork, opportunity to grab hold of something bigger, learning to see ourselves (including our children) more as we are in God's time and in God's universe. Living without futility." ~~ Mama Squirrel, 2010
Edith says there are two different ways to think of "creative recreation": first, some activity (probably outdoors) that gets you away from the daily noise and allows you to re-energize your spirit, which will probably also give your creative batteries a boost...a short sabbatical or day off. Second, something "creative" that you come up with to re-energize others; something different, original, fun. To quote from The Hobbit, an unexpected party. Something extra. Maybe you could call it a creative lagniappe.
On this particular weekend that includes Canada Day and our wedding anniversary, we have not gotten too ambitious. We've all been busy with a major housecleaning and other things that have left us a bit tired and not up for long hikes or big parties. It's the peak of strawberry season here, though, and we had a memorable barbecued dinner tonight with fresh spinach salad, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. "Anticipated" can be as good as "unexpected." [Update: we did go to a free local art gallery, too, which would have made Edith happy with us. We also browsed through an antiques market, which may not be as good as contemplating nature, but it's fun anyway.]
What can you do this week to recharge your own spiritual and creative batteries?
What can you do to bring an unexpected smile to someone else?
5 comments:
Sounds like your festivities dovetailed (like mine) with the chapter's theme ~
Happy Anniversary!!
Are your strawberries local this time of year? We make May strawberry shortcake month!!
Yes, it is the peak of strawberry season here (which is always nice for Canada Day, red and white desserts are popular). We went out to the vegetable market and splurged on a big container.
Tomorrow, I'm going sailing with my husband! That should get my creative juices flowing!! Sounds like you're having a grand time, and I do think looking at antiques can be very creative and engaging for the soul. Think of all the years and lives those objects have touched!
Loved the quotes in the beginning of this post! what wonderful parallels.
We've just returned from a family camping trip, and hosted an Independence Day Blast, and this weekend my recreating will be list-making. Nice, relaxing days of jotting down plans and progress and to-do's.
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