We have used this beautiful brass censer filled with real Frankincense and Myrrh incense to bless our home with the Blessings of the Three Kings every Epiphany since Peter and Jude were toddlers. The dried pine branch is from our Christmas tree, and the children each take a sprig and dip it in Holy water as we travel throughout our home, bringing the sweet, silky smoke and the little Holy droplets to each room.
This is one of the Family Es' too few ceremonies we cling to heavily; God's grace is palpable through these simple acts and the years gone by are less of a muddle of memory, as each is attached to the particular feel of a setting: what house were we in? who was a baby? who got to put the chalk inscription above the door that year (well, it's always Jude because some things must stay the same).
This year Epiphany Sunday was the first full day we lived under our new roof, what a providential way to welcome God into our new home! Well one thing happened, and then another, and most of all exhaustion happened until the day had come and gone with no blessing. No matter. Next day will be better. But Obi was travelling. No matter we'll wait.
Well, we're still waiting. It's been a rough go of it, whodda thunk?
So many changes in our family in this past year. So much growing our family has done. But I feel like with all this changing and growing I haven't exactly stepped up my game. I feel like the little one with a blanky I won't let go of and a thumb in my mouth, toddling along and stopping every once in awhile to ask aloud to no one in particular, "Where am I going again?"
That little one doesn't make a very good mama, even I can see that. I need to concentrate on this crazy home and these crazy people here which means laying aside for awhile all the distractions I love so much (which means I just may never beat all the free levels of Candy Crush or see the second season of Sherlock). I need to be quiet for awhile and remember who I am and where I'm going.
Allora, Dear Web Log, I need to put you aside for awhile, too.
Promise you won't forget me?
I'll be right back!