I went to the library today with my kids and found myself pondering a phase I am in these days. In working on my other blog, Domestic Disarray, I found a quote that really spoke to me - "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful" (William Morris). This quote is currently my driving force for all aspects of my life - my house, my things, my ideas, my activities, everything.
So with that in mind, I have made some decisions about the important things in our life. One such thing is that I want to fill our lives with that which is superb and thought-provoking and beautiful. So much in our world today is just plain crap. It's poorly conceived, poorly constructed, poorly executed. So I have decided to immerse myself in those things that through generations people have declared "worthy". Just as a way to indulge in this little quirky moment in my life.
As an example - my husband and I are watching "classic" movies - those movies that have stood the test of time and audiences and have been deemed valuable. And I am reading books that have inspired millions over generations. (Starting today with "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco. Can't wait to dive in!) And I am seeking out ways of doing my daily tasks that are simple and full of life. I'll let you know how it goes.
But one area that I find myself pondering over and over again is the area of learning. I have to say that I love to learn. Really I love it. I have an insatiable appetite for learning. It's not the knowledge I love. It's the experience. The feeling of your head filling with new ideas and new connections. And I want to pass this on to my children. I want them to believe that every moment, every thought, every conversation is an opportunity to learn and to grow. Because I do believe that growth only happens through learning, in whatever form it takes at that moment. I want to work with my girls to inspire curiosity and amazement. But how do I do that? How do I make every moment (or as close to every moment as I can muster) a chance to learn? I'm working through that these days - I'll let you know what I come up with. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on it?
This is funny ...so many of the places you girls are at with your thinking is where I am finding myself as well. I feel like i am a major phase right now of willingness to explore the differnet ideas and views around me, as well as learn more about myself.
ReplyDeleteI think that being willing to learn and explore your own person is such a big part of remaining humble and malleable.
I feel this way especially related to God and my view of Him. I dont mind being challenged with how I see him, or how I see myself within his plan. I am feeling like there is a massive world out there of stuff I have no idea about and would love to learn more.
I dont know if it goes hand in hand or what, but I also get frustrated with people who dont seem to be that way.
My in-laws are that way ..they truly believe they have learned all they have to learn. If they havent learned it by now, they can do without it. They are doing fine with what they know, and dont feel the need to explore further. How lame. :)