Several weeks ago, when we were working on all that signage outside, I grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge to quench my thirst. I noticed that it was one that some family member had taken a sip out of and put back in the door...but I shrugged (hey, family germs, no big deal) and took a gulp.
Hmmm. I smacked my lips and moved my tongue to the roof of my mouth several times at the taste of the water. It had an odd tang.
I couldn't quite place it. I took another sip.
Minty, that was it. I inspected the rim of the opening and held the bottle up to look at it.
Looked fine. Looked normal.
I shrugged again and kept drinking. I took the water bottle outside and continued to sip on it as I worked - but I still kept wondering about that minty flavor. Why would it taste like that?? Had the anonymous pre-sipper just brushed their teeth before drinking and left a faint trace of toothpaste? Ew, that was kinda gross to think about.
So I didn't.
I tipped my head back and drained the container....and that's when the mystery was solved.
A gigantic wad of gum was stuck inside, at the bottom of the bottle.
YUCK! Ptew! Gag! Blech!
As we say here in Texas, "if somethin' dudn't taste right, it probly idn't."
It made me think about my home - how sometimes there is just something that just dudn't feel right. Sometimes it's quite obvious what idn't working: maybe the house is a disaster or you family hasn't had home-cooked food in a week. But other times you just can't quite put your finger on it....it's something, but what?? Remember my theory about sanctuary being a three-legged stool? The answer will always be found in one of the three legs.
Peace, Order, or Beauty.
These are the things sanctuary depends on. I wrote about it back in April, it is definitely worth reading here.
Today's Small Thing is to apply a little bit of work in one of the three areas of sanctuary. You don't have to do a complete overhaul to your house and your life today, but simply discover the joy of concentrated effort in one area. Bring some fall leaves or branches inside for an autumn display, or light a candle - beauty can be easier to find than you imagine. Establish some order by picking up shoes or straightening the couch pillows or clearing your counter. Or say a kind word to your husband, encourage your kids or say "no" to another commitment to grab some peace and make it real in your home. You choose what you'd like to do...or what you need to do.
50 Points!
POINTS: 50 for bringing some peace, order or beauty into your home today. And hey! Let us know what you are doing! Simply telling another person gives it great impact, no matter how small the task may be.
Song of the Day: Something Beautiful, Needtobreathe
