Gratitude and simplicity
December 15, 2017
With Christmas ahead, we can get caught up in the ‘so much to do,’ ‘I want to do more,’ ‘should I add . . .’ to our to do list.
I remember visiting widows in the Mathare Valley of Nairobi. We were preparing for training with sustainable skill tailoring. In their 12 by 12 ‘home,’ corrugated metal roof, 8 occupants, kitchen in the corner, one large pot, a few bowls, fabric ‘wall’ to hide sleeping mats, these widows hugged their children, smiled at us, crowed nieces and nephews they were caring for beside them. Their generosity overflowed to less fortunate relatives, their menu was never more than two items, and they were more content than I could imagine.
This season, I remember. I can buy less food stuff, be intentional, not over the top in gift selections, and be content, remembering them.