This morning I am looking across the room at our green sofa and thinking, as I have often, how I really like the color in the wintertime. When everything outside is gray and white, just that fact that it is colorful–not black and white–is welcoming, let alone that anything green at this time of the year is hopeful.

However, when spring, summer, and even fall come, I feel like there is way too much green in the room. (I must have picked that fabric out during the winter months.)

Another thought I have actually been pondering all week is “grounding”. The fact that two books sit on my coffee table partially read because I got stuck on the part where you are supposed to go for a walk and experience nature. Sure, you can walk outside in the winter here in Minnesota, but I often feel like it is too cold, the snow too deep, or even too icy as it has been this year. That longing I so often feel to dig in the dirt or just plain ground myself with the earth under my feet is a real sense of loss for me. That led me to do a bit of searching for ways to ground myself during the winter months. ( As most if not all of these ideas are mentioned more than once from different authors, I decided they did not need to be cited.) I wrote them down as I found them throughout the week. It is not a page of wonderful art but more of an artists way of taking notes. In that way, the idea of an art journal or prayer journal has affected my method, and it is something I am exploring more deeply.

As I looked for definitions, quotes, bible verses, and helpful suggestions, I had a little bit of a chuckle as I thought about how as a child, the word “grounded” usually meant the punishment of not being able to leave home–go out and play–during your free time for a certain number of days. I distinctly remember my mom or dad’s voice saying “you’re grounded!.” (Truthfully, my parents were not very strict with us, so it did not happen often, but I sure remember it.) How funny that a word I did not want to hear has become something I want, and even strive for years later.

I had another giggle when I wrote the words “hold a stone”. My mind went ding ding; that is why prayer beads and the rosary became such a blessing for me. How could I forget?! Praying with beads is most definitely a practice. It is a practice I begin again and again. (See the about me on the right of this blog.)

This rosary uses petrified wood beads for the “Ave” beads, which is wood that has been turned to stone over time. It happens to be one of my favorite beads to use.

With all the changes I mention above, I consider the one thing in my life that does not change. That is God’s love for us.

What do you consider in your life when you think of all that has changed as you have grown older? What has remained the same for you?