Yesterday being the first Sunday in Advent (already?!), I decided to start some resolutions early. Since one of my resolutions is to stop procrastinating, I wanted to get a head start. One of my resolutions (also one of Eric's) is to become more efficient. We've been inspired by the work of this father in New York City. If he can have vermicomposting in his apartment in New York, surely there's more WE can do! So when it got dark yesterday (and it was dark for most of the rainy day), we didn't turn on any lights. We ate, read, folded laundry, wrote, cleaned up and lived by candlelight. It really was beautiful and peaceful. I remember Advent with Mom and Karen growing up. We'd turn out all the lights, light a candle (or candles, depending on what week of Advent it was) and talk about the good things we'd done that day. For every good deed, we'd put a straw into a little manger - to prepare for Jesus' coming. We'd admit to bad things we'd done, and have to take out a straw. I remember sometimes being too tired and not wanting to participate in this ritual, but I was always pulled in by the glow of the candlelight. And it was always worth it. So, thanks, Mom!
So far, this ritual has been cleansing and therapeutic for me. I'll keep you posted!
