Thursday, September 10, 2009

In which Ashli has the house to herself, Part 2: Not so alone

The tea kettle is again on it's way to whistling, as we open the second installment of Ashli Alone in the House. Which, really, has not been so 'lonely' as I expected. Today and Monday have been my only two alone-days, reminding me of just how gracious God is to give me the friends and family that I have. I've had the opportunity to spend a weekend with my dad, which doesn't happen much these days (in my dusty attic-room, no less, which made me feel rather like Polly in The Magician's Nephew, a feeling I indulged as much a possible). I've also celebrated a long-awaited wedding, had tea with my housemates (who were in Portland for the wedding), spent nice time with my step-dad, and enjoyed the company of three good friends. I don't mind that this takes away from the me-plans that I have, because aside from being reminded that my friends rock, I am given another opportunity to remember that tend to go a bit bats when too often alone with myself. I get myself stuck inside my head. Time alone is a necessity for me, but not too much, and God knows this. Which brings yet another reminder: I guess I'm technically never alone. I'm glad sometimes (okay, frequently) to be without people, but I'm never without God. I think that's why I'm so comfortable with solitude, because it's not just me that I'm hanging out with. And with or without people, I'm learning what it means for God to satisfy us with good things.

A quote from C. S. Lewis' Surprised by Joy comes to mind. Of his childhood travels to and from school with his brother, Lewis says, "The homeward journey was even more festal. It had an invariable routine: first the supper at a restaurant--it was merely poached eggs and tea but to us the tables of the gods..." Yesterday Rebekah and I discovered the same thing about cinnamon-raisin bread with raspberry jam. A feast. Perfectly satisfying. It is amazing how good, and satisfying, good things are.

1 comment:

Amy said...

I love reading your blog. And I loved having you over at our house for dinner and true family time.
Looking forward to more time in December. :-)