Author: Ashley

Mental Inbox

/ Ashley / 1 Comment

Is it any wonder that I can’t produce coherent thoughts tonight? There are plenty of topics to entice, but I can’t seem to gather them into a thoughtfully worded post. The temptation to veg out in front of a mind-numbing TV show is growing greater by the minute.

A spark is growing, however. Over the last couple of days I’ve found myself noticing life around me, wondering where I can discover fodder for my new blog. Little seeds are planting themselves in the back of my mind. If only I could clear out the mental cobwebs via the physical materials overflowing my inbox! Alas, the required energy eludes me.

On a silver-lining note – at least I created a legitimate reason to install Instagram on my phone.

A Moment

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He flew across campus on his little yellow bike, never pausing to look back.  He was a man on a mission at dinner time.  As soon as the last crumb of cheese cake stuffed its way past his lips, he darted between the dining hall tables and was out the door.  Again, I found myself several steps behind the blur of preschool legs bouncing up and down the hall.  Suddenly the chapel door caught his attention.  By the time I followed him inside he was deep within the sanctuary.

Then I noticed where his little legs had carried him – to the front pew.  Kneeling, with his sun bleached head bowed, he was quietly whispering prayers.  Only God knows what was on his little heart because not even I could decipher his murmurings.  I gazed at his still form, so thankful for this moment of peace.  Another moment later and the reverie was broken, his body on the move again, another adventure in the making.

My Own Little Way

/ Ashley / Leave a comment

I wish this could be a blog with a witty name about the amount of children I have or my creative abilities.  Alas, it was never meant to be so.  I’ve tried blogging before.  But my life seems so uninteresting compared to the lives presented on blogs I visit.  I have no great talents or way with words.  In fact, my writing tends to be melodramatic and inspired by emotional whims.  Great motivation for journaling – not so great for spewing out into public.

But the thing is, I still yearn to write, to tap into the blogging community.  Maybe it’s because more and more of my friends from college (the ones who were such close friends six years ago) are choosing this method of communication.  It’s beautiful to have a window into their daily lives.  We are spread across the country, but they again feel close to me.  Maybe it’s because my love language is quality time and this is the best option I’ve got for long-distance friendships.  Maybe St. Therese is calling me again.

I struggle to follow the Little Way.  It seems contrary to everything I am – oldest born child, natural leader, outgoing and energetic around others.  And yet, St. Therese called me to her Little Way years ago.  How am I supposed to fade into the background, seeking no praise or recognition for my work?  How does one truly sacrifice themselves for others?  How will this ultimately bring me joy?

I think this blog might be my path to discovery.  It won’t be the prettiest or cleverest of blogs.  I don’t think I’ll be on par with Jen Fulwiler or Simcha Fisher any time soon.  But maybe writing will help to draw me outside of myself, to think deep thoughts once again, to ponder how to find my own Little Way.

Or maybe it will just peel me away from the nightly TV routine.  That’s good too.