"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."  

Nathaniel Hawthorne

October is well underway.  It brought much needed, long awaited rain to the mountain west.  The mountaintops are peeking through fog right now which makes me so very happy, if also homesick for England.  

Autumn has rushed in this year with many demands on our hearts and our time, threatening to disrupt our peace if it could.  It has made some inroads in that regard.  We have been working hard to restore and maintain serenity amidst the trials.  It doesn't require new techniques, just a doubling down on the old paths: 

Prayer, especially with and for family and friends has tied heartstrings across the miles.  In prayer, I am feeling especially grateful for and close to dear ones far away.  Even though it isn't always said – though I am trying to be more mindful of actually saying so – the new babies born and struggling teens and brave patients fighting big battles are all right there with the beads in my hands. The names attached to the notes sent here in this space are never forgotten.

Journaling.  My bullet journal is still going strong.  It's not particularly artistic, but it now houses notes scribbled in throughout the better part of a year.  Some people journal their feelings.  I have lists.  Lists for the grocery, for Amazon, for the library books, the recipes, the schoolwork, the gift ideas. The older I get the more I love looking back at the lists. They are a snapshot of my life at different ages and stages. 

Re-forming the spaces.  I wrote a decade ago about the powerful effect the space has on little children.  There are no tiny people here right now but the same approach has worked its magic on bigger people.  "…by creating order around a restless or unruly child we can help instill ordered behavior from the outside in."  

Still true. 

Tranquility is elusive in some seasons.  The skills honed while nurturing little hearts are surprisingly helpful for meeting the challenges bigger people face.  Take care of your home.  Take care of your heart.  (The one goes a long way towards the other.) It blesses the people you love more than words can say.