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This poignant and beautifully
written series of reflections for mothers in a hurry has helped
me clearly define my many roles as wife, mother, teacher, tutor,
resource consultant, community volunteer, neighbor and friend. This
book has enough wisdom to last a lifetime. In the midst of our busy,
overscheduled and stress-filled lives, Mittenstrings speaks
to each and every one of us who longs for a slower pace as well
as a chance to savor our personal lives.
Kenison began this
remarkable book as a series of personal reminders to herself to
slow down and take time to "smell the roses." In the warm voice
of a treasured friend, she shows us how we can pare down our schedules
and tune into a gentler rhythm, re-examining our priorities and
focusing on what really matters. Through personal experience, she
offers simple suggestions for:
1. clearing a space for silence and contemplation,
2. wonder and spiritual renewal,
3. discovering the pleasures of the family dinner table,
4. seeing the sacred in the ordinary,
5. teaching ourselves the value of a deep breath and,
6. turning our homes into havens where peace and creativity
can flourish, and "where we feed not only our children's bodies
and intellects but their souls as well."
Kenison has given me
a long overdue and most precious gift, which I read again and again
to reaffirm my decisions to take time for what really matters. "As
mothers, we want so much for our children, and we ask so much of
ourselves. Yet, when we rush headlong through our days, we are left
scattered and exhausted, unable to luxuriate in the quiet, unspoken
gifts of everyday life. Consequently, we end up shortchanging the
ones we love, depriving our families and ourselves of moments of
grace, intimacy and joy. But, there is another way:"
In simplicity there
is freedom-
Freedom to do less and to enjoy more...
This is a book you will
want to add to your personal library and read again and again. It
has left footprints on my heart, and it is my hope that it will
touch you in a similar manner. I highly recommend the book and encourage
you to read it in uninterrupted solitude for, "Only by slowing down,
do we make time for one another, only by stopping long enough to
observe our surroundings can we bring shape and meaning to our lives."
Meg Zehmer
is the mother of four year old, Eliza, and, in addition to being
a resource consultant at Commonwealth Parenting Center, is a first
grade teaching assistant at Collegiate School. Meg will be facilitating
a class entitled Mittenstrings, at Commonwealth Parenting Center
in January.
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