Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Addition & Subtraction

Let’s start with the subtractions first. I finished my winter course of clear-out and clean-out. Thirty-three projects inside the house are checked off. I don’t need to tell you all the good feels! I’m not afraid to open cupboards and closets.

The single most challenging spot in my house is the hallway pantry. For lack of taking the time to find a place for an item, said item gets dumped for another day. I’m glad to say – another day is in the books.

Now, to the fun side of arithmetic. What have I added?

Hint #1: a small kitchen project

Hint #2: something I said I was done with years ago

Hint #3: it hasn’t gotten any cheaper

I wanted a backsplash to add some color and texture. Instead of tile, I copied my sister-in-law Jana and purchased scrubbable vinyl wallpaper. With my busy counters, it had to be a subtle design. My Valentine’s gift is hung and appreciated!

(My inner designer would have chosen a different countertop, but alas, it was covid and our choice was made on practical terms. I am content. In case you were wondering, a smile inserted.)

I also added a curtain for our backdoor window, which made the biggest change and softened the industrial-looking door. (Why, oh, why did it take me four years?)

And my third small kitchen change was adding plates above the door.

I’m a happy innkeeper with the small upgrade to my kitchen. It’s the little things that can make a heart cheerful amid winter.

I’ll leave you with one more little thing I’ve added, this time, to my jewelry box.

Shalom Shalom. Why would I choose these words for my custom-made bracelet?

The verse has a special connection to me. Many years ago, in Lamaze childbirth classes, we were told to have a focal point, something we could fix our eyes on. These were my words:

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

In my studies, I read that both perfect and peace were the same root word, meaning the literal translation of that verse is, “You will keep him in shalom shalom whose mind is stayed on You.” I looked it up (geeking out here a little), and sure enough, in the Strong’s Concordance, which is an index of every word in the Bible assigned a number that corresponds to the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word in the original text, both words share the same number H7965. Peace is translated as complete, safe, soundness, tranquility, and rest.

Why, yes, I’ll take a double portion.

I glance down at my bracelet often, needing the reminder that in Jesus is shalom shalom (perfect peace). I cannot fix all the world’s problems, but I can fix my heart and mind.

I’m signing out our icy February with a spring in my step and a beautiful invite.

Shalom shalom,

Margi

PS – I’m guessing we share many of the same struggles. Conversation is always welcome. My friendship is offered online or in person. Heart emoji.