Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday Meander December 29, 2008 It finally happened! “Meander” was the word of the day on Miriam-Webster’s word of the day (OK, laugh if you want but what did YOU get excited about today?) Meaning 1 : to follow a winding or intricate course 2 : to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : ramble Hmmm, there’s a crucial difference between those two, isn’t there? One implies an aspect of guidance or purpose. A course is followed or formed. The other could be utterly chaotic. Either way, there’s no way to meander quickly. It’s a sabbathing kind of activity that requires one to slow down while risking getting lost or trusting being found. …"Meander," which comes from Greek "Maiandros," an old name for a river in Asia Minor, implies a winding course and lazy movement, and it is still sometimes associated with rivers (as in, "the river meandered through the town"). "Meander" can also be used as a noun meaning "a winding path." If one never risked getting lost, played it safe, stuck to the straight and narrow, you’d miss a lot of wonderful discoveries in life. At the same time, a certain amount of shape and form to the journey are assumed even if not always noticed. We are provided with ground to walk on, air to breathe, one foot to put in front of the other (or wheels to turn….) that facilitate movement’s purpose. I wonder if Mary and Joseph felt a little lost as they expanded their reasonably simple lives to include Jesus? Perhaps the course wasn’t clear for many years, when it was possible to look back over a lifetime. But would the world be like if they hadn’t put one foot after the other into the great unknown God surrounded them with? May you find yourself trusting the Holy Spirit to wander with you as you practice the unfolding purpose of living in Christ this year. To read about the original Christmas wanderers check out Matthew chapter 2. In Joy, Karen

1 comment:

  1. Karen,

    Wow, thanks for the both definitions.
    As it happens, I meandered yesterday and I am still excited about it!

    Maddy and I took Louis up to meet 30 or so of the 50+ Maranacookies that make up his nordic team at Sugarloaf yesterday.
    We decided to ski and went out on some of the loopy, hilly, intricate trails.
    I hadn't realized how empty my inhaler was until I was at the top of a hill with a gorgeous view of Sugarloaf. She would ski a little ahead and then wait for me.
    I am always amazed at how fast and smooth she skis.
    Suddenly the Maranacook boys train zoomed by us, filling me with love and pride and appreciation of my children.
    I am so lucky.
    Maddy eventually went off on her own while I made my way along the winding trail.
    As I was heading back to the touring center I saw her out playing in the snow.
    She bounded up to me and asked if I knew what we could do, in that youthful 'I have an idea but I'm not sure how it will be received' manner.
    Hmm, I thought, lunch would be good. I could easily imagine taking my skis off and sitting in the sun filled lodge by the frozen lake with the alpine area looking down on us, quilting my wall hanging after lunch while she skied ...
    "MOM. we could ski AROUND the lake."
    huh? fantasy smashed.
    "You could do it Mom, I've already been there and it is beautiful"
    uh, well, I don't know.
    How could I resist such a tempting offer.

    1 : to follow a winding or intricate course
    2 : to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : ramble

    We picked our way past the ice that was the beginning and then skied this fabulous trail. She started off ahead of me, flicked her poles up behind her back and grabbed the opposite one, making an X of her poles and danced along the trail on her skate skis. I was astonished at how FAST and beautifully she skis.

    We shared a bowl of chili and a grilled cheese sandwich when we got back.
    Her eyes sparkling as much as the melting snow on her hat.



    Peg

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