One of the best things we did as empty-nesters was sell our boat and install a spa on our back deck. Being on the lake or in the hot tub has been important to us in our lives. Perhaps because he is a Pisces and I am a Cancer, in the astrological scheme of things. Water has provided us a way of connecting with those important in our lives after a day, or week, of work. Water has made a way for us to relax later in the day. Or to start our days with fewer aches and pains!
I’m not sure how the events of yesterday came about, but I joked afterwards that the next time my husband asks me if I want to get in the hot tub, I will have to think longer about it before answering. I am reading The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and “Women’s Work,” a delightful book by Kathleen Norris. Maybe her mention of acedia, winter doldrums, and the newness of spring, or reading her poem on “Housecleaning” had something to do with it. The day before, because the weather was so nice and it seemed we hadn’t been in the hot tub for a month, I said to my spouse, “I’m getting in. Did you want to join me?” It was a lovely 20 minutes or so of conversation, pulsating jets, and sipping of Irish Breakfast Tea. Yesterday was all of that as well. And more! Maybe the floaty things were there the day before and we hadn’t noticed. We spent the next three hours cleaning the hot tub … filters, jets, cover, and water. But the time spent wasn’t really that bad. Oddly enough, it was enjoyable. Creativity emerges from doing the ordinary. Monday night’s Bible study of John had us looking at two of Jesus’ miraculous signs: turning water into wine and healing the blind beggar. Maybe I was thinking about the question, what does Christ call you to do in order to receive new life and healing? Maybe I was remembering Jesus’ mother’s instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” or Jesus’ instruction to the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam. But sitting in my life-size aquarium, dip net in hand, I caught TONS of jelly fish, large and small, and had a blast! Washing. Celebrating. Healing. Wholeness. New life! Grace and peace … --Pastor Pat
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