Friday Freestyle - 001
Stuffed with stuffing, hearing an unexpected tune from a fiddler, and peeking into the private life of my favorite author.
Hello, friends!
The most delicious day of the year has come and gone (though there are still lots of leftovers to feast upon in the fridge), and ours was quite enjoyable. My wife, my daughter, and I shared a quiet Thanksgiving Day lunch of smoked turkey, cornbread dressing (Granny’s recipe), gravy, cranberry relish, green beans, sweet potato casserole (Paula Deen’s recipe), Brussel sprouts (my wife can have all she wants, because gross), and pumpkin pie.
After we stuffed ourselves, we settled in the living room, each with a cup of hot tea, and we took turns remembering our favorite moments from the year, but also sharing things we appreciated about each other. It was a special time.
We also watched the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, which neither of the girls had ever seen. I'd seen the movie before, and had seen the musical on stage, and it has always been a favorite. What stood out to me this time, and what I’ve never taken notice of before, is how Tevye (the father of the family, played wonderfully by Chaim Topol) is in constant, conversational relationship with God. Much of what he says to God is comical and might make the theologically minded cringe, but his prayers are sincere and vulnerable, and the film made me realize that I sometimes forget to invite God into the small details of my life.
I love how God’s spirit can speak to me through things like movies.
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Giving Chase
It’s cold this November morning, or colder than my post-Covid body is comfortable with. I consider enjoying a few, calm minutes before work, alone in a quiet house, under a blanket, sitting in my recliner. But I sense the Father prompting me to go outside and enjoy the morning. So, I slip on another cold weather layer over my plaid, flannel button up, and I head out.
I’m reading, watching, playing, listening to…
J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography, by Humphrey Carpenter - I've been a huge fan of the professor’s work for decades, but this is my first time reading about his life, which was full of heartache and hard work–things I was already somewhat familiar with–but it's made me laugh to learn how he loved to play and frolic with his friends as a young man, and the story between him and his beloved Edith has warmed my heart. I’m totally geeking out, y’all.1
Waiting on the Word: A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, by Malcom Guite - Technically I won't begin reading this until December 1, when advent begins, but I've intended to get a copy of this book and read it for the last couple of years, and I've never followed through until now. I'm excited to view my favorite season of the year through the lens of poetry.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, By Katherine May (current audiobook listen) - This is a memoir about a woman who learns the value and necessity of having unfruitful seasons in life as she navigates challenges with her health and well-being, as well as that of her family. Plus, the narration by Rebecca Lee is spot on: warm and bright without being unnecessarily peppy.
The Great British Baking Show, series 15 - We’ve been Bake Off fans for quite a few years now–watching it together as a family is another holiday tradition–and this has been one of the better seasons in recent years. The finale was released on Netflix today, and we plan to watch it tonight while chowing down on Thanksgiving leftovers.
It seems impossible that Advent begins in only two days. In the words of my wife, “It feels like we just took down the Christmas decorations!” but I am so, so excited to enter into my favorite season of the year! I pray that as you move into Advent yourself, dear reader, that you would once again prepare the way for His coming, in your heart and in your home.
What are you appreciating in your life right now? What are you reading or watching or listening to that would be worth sharing? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Until then, the Lord be with you.
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