Seasons

I was reflecting this morning on the different seasons in the convent. First we had the Bells/Havens. That was a time of adjustment as we'd all moved into this newly renovated house and we were developing new rhythms of life together. Next came the spring/summer of 2003. This was a lively time with many young singles with lots of energy to share. It was a time of growing and sharing and loving.

Now we've entered a quieter season. The singles moved on. Our life is a bit quieter with the Harris family and Desiree now with us. ALL of us are introverts. We enjoy each other's company in a quieter way. We have great conversations...just at a slower pace with more thinking between times of sharing. Sara focuses on parenting...Steve focuses on getting his shop running smoothly...Desiree focuses on rest...and Joseph and Grace focus on play : ) Jon focuses on his school studies, and Dave and I enjoy a new season with a new job, and much joy in our children and household family. Candles, warmth, gentleness...that's how I would describe this season at the convent.

Carrie has come home from Houston. She finished her season at Houston Baptist University, spending time with her Pappaw. She loved her time there but seemed ready to come home and see her friends here. It's lovely to have her back in the house. She's planning to attend Xavier in January, taking some more math courses.

Ryan visited this week. He's now out on the road with Over the Rhine and will be back for a few days later in the month. So good to see him. Maybe we'll see Cat in January. Dave and I will hopefully drive to Madison in January to reunite with Matthias for a weekend. He'll be coming over from Germany to visit Kim.

We look forward to what God has for us in the new year....will there be some new faces? Maybe. And hopefully family members from the past year will visit us, too. And peace and joy will abound...thanks be to God.