Sunday, February 18, 2007

A Life Most Deliberate ~ Resolute

A few years ago, Leon and I determined that the word "resolute" would be an important word in our marriage relationship.


Denotatively, the word means: marked by firm determination; bold, steady, faithful


Connotatively ~ it translates into deliberate living. Waking early to eat breakfast together ~ even when the snooze button is calling. Making time to exercise together ~ even when the work pressures seem debilitating. Creating that special meal from scratch ~ and always remembering to light candles at the dinner table, even on a Tuesday. Remembering to pick up a bottle of strawberry milk at the market ~ especially when making a mad dash to grab a few necessary items on the way to or from ... we always seem to be going to and from.




The days that I live deliberately are my favorite. The days that I wake early. Eat breakfast. Read my Bible. Listen to NPR on the way to work ~ and listen to quiet on my way home. Find time for a heart pounding exercise and trying out a new recipe ... unwinding at the end with a favorite TV show and a glass of Dad's Norton ... those are the days I love. Nothing special ~ just deliberate living.


Tonight, I found time for yoga practice and a leisurely bath ~ I am writing in my kitchen while a pot of white chili bubbles on the range (and frankly, the aroma is amazing! Yum-o!) ... waiting for Leon to arrive home from what seems to be a great night at youth group (Overtime, and the activity is a game called "Sardines" ~ he already wrote a text message to proclaim the night a brilliant triumph!) ... "Frank's Place" on the XM radio (and the thrill of seeing the TiVo light on capturing my favorite Sunday night programs: Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters ... don't you just love time shifting!) I love evenings such as these, particularly on Sundays ~ the week actually begins with a semblance of order and calm. I like that.


To some, this probably sounds dreadfully dull. I can name a few friends who will read this and say "you need kids" ... and some day, God willing, we will have them! And then, we will redefine what a life "resolute" feels like, the pace and ebb and flow will be drastically changed ~ but the core value ... living with deliberate intent won't change (at least we hope so as "old" parents in our mid-thirties ... hopefully that's one perk!)
So, as the week begins ~ here's to deliberate living. Enjoy your own version of a life resolute.

3 comments:

C Staude said...

May you always find a way to be 'resolute'! I love the concept... don't always pull it off myself.. but the zen of it is fascinating!

Annika said...

Well, thank God you don't have kids yet! I think it's very important to figure out how to be resolute on your own, let alone factoring in a husband... let alone kids!! Be glad you've had the time to set up good habits.

I am currently in the trenches trying to figure out how to fit it all in. And I only have the boyfriend! ;)

~Annika
PS- I feel like I'm internet stalking you, but really I just saw a link on Lisa's blog!

t.leaf + k said...

That is NOT dull. Kelly and I love nights where we can make dinner, put on some music, and relax...together. Sadly, our last one was more than a week ago...

But for now, my morning cup of Alterra coffee calls! Happy Tuesday!