The ski passes are back in use and school has begun. Slowly, in quiet minutes and hours, I retake territory lost over Christmas by wrappings, wedding packages, Eagle project donations, furniture swaps, gifts, and decorations. During the past three months, many things expired in the fridge without my notice, and the coat collection grew out of bounds again in the mudroom. We ran out of some staples in the food storage room. On Christmas Eve or so, Timothy cleaned out his closet and I told him to just plunk his castoffs down in the middle of the craft/wrapping/sewing/printing workshop for me to deal with later.
I had everyone’s help, friend, family, and fiance to set up Christmas, but this year, I have taken things down by myself. As I stow each light, ornament, and dish, I find order, but also an expensive gift that I had hidden and forgot to give, and more cleaning supplies that need to be donated ASAP. Never mind, the peace still seeps in with each room reclaimed.
I thought I would need a couple of days to recharge after the wedding, but as I helped during a stressful Stake baptism day last Saturday and ventured to a friend’s home this week, I see that I am not ready for my usual routines. I am still in need of the gentle cycle of rest, reading, comfort, and quiet. January was invented for just such needs as these.