Last week all four of us traveled to Georgia to attend my beautiful niece’s (Heather’s daughter) high school graduation. It was such a special time together with our entire family and was filled with laughter and memories we will always treasure. And we actually managed to get a photo of ALL of us together which hasn’t happened in…..oh….about 5 years!
On our last day there we were riding high on the fun and the storytelling and the hysterical laughter which accompanied playing the game ‘Speak Out’ (Have you played this yet?? We were crying from laughing so hard!) and all of the little moments that come together to create a truly memorable occasion.
But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. And it REALLY came to an end the day we traveled home. We were up at 5am (which, of course, is 2am Oregon time) and after getting through security and scrounging up some breakfast we made our way to our gate with plenty of time to spare. One glance out the window revealed that our plan was already there which one might think meant that we would leave right on time. Nope. Somehow we still managed to leave 45 minutes late which we knew meant that our already tight connection was going to be even tighter. I won’t go into all of the details about how unhelpful the airline was because it makes me angry all over again but let’s just say that after receiving no assistance at all, sprinting through the Seattle airport (thought I was going to have a heart attack!) to try and make our connection, begging them to open the closed door to let us on the plane and then finally landing in Portland, it quickly dawned on us that there was no way our luggage would have made it too.
We left the airport sans luggage, starving because there had been no time to get any lunch (although I did get mom bonus points for having lots of granola bars in my bag to tide us over!) and in a general state of fatigue and grumpiness.
Upon arriving home we all pretty much crashed down onto whatever soft surface was available and took some time to rest for a bit.
After dozing off for a bit, I forced my weary body to get up but felt so incredibly discombobulated. You know that feeling, right? When you are all out of sorts after traveling and you know you need to catch up on things but you have very limited energy?
So, since I didn’t even have suitcases to unpack and laundry to start, I did the one thing that always helps me come out of the travel fog and reconnect with my home.
I puttered.
Have you ever noticed that there are some words that simply just the sound of them tells you their meaning? Puttering is definitely one of those words. And it is a powerful activity my friends.
I don’t think I even realized just how powerful it is until recently.
You see, lately I find myself feeling a bit restless. A bit out of sorts. I’m finding that my head is full of too many thoughts and an inability to seem to get them all sorted out. I’m overwhelmed by the big projects that need to get done in my home and trying to adjust to having the kids home all day for summer break while also praying to the good Lord that He will help me have the mental (and spiritual) capacity necessary to meet our August book deadline.
I kind of don’t feel like myself but I also don’t even know anymore what feeling ‘myself’ is supposed to look like. I’m not sure if that even makes any sense but it’s the honest truth. I know from past experience though that this is often how I feel right before God begins to do new things in my heart and in my life so I’m trying my best to just embrace it.
And there is something kind of magical that happens when I simply putter around the house.
When I finally put away the remains of the Spring decor and welcome Summer with a bowl full of seashells.
When I clip the first roses and hydrangeas and make an arrangement for our kitchen table that fills the house with the most wonderful fragrance.
When I take a walk around the yard and spy the first blossoms on the daphne and notice that our jasmine is just about to burst forth too.
When I wipe down my kitchen counters and fluff up pillows.
They are all seemingly such simple things and yet, they are so life-giving. My fretful and overwhelmed spirit is calmed as I move from one little task to the next. Nothing is too exhausting or time consuming and there is no pressure to feel like I’ve accomplished something significant.
And yet, this puttering has a very significant impact on my soul. I’m reminded of these words from Laura Ingalls Wilder.
“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
At the end of the day, I think we are all craving more of the sweet, simple things of life. I know I am. So, I putter. Because, as my spirit is calmed and the only thing I’m pondering is which vase to use for the flowers I just cut from the garden, there is room made for me to hear from my Heavenly Father. To be reminded that I don’t just exist to write books and do DIY projects and find Lego pieces and make dinner. It’s in those moments that He whispers words of truth and reassurance to me. And it reminds me of just how grateful I am for this life I get to live.
The power of puttering is a very real thing my friends. Have you experienced it in your own life? I’d love to hear from you!
I’m so glad you met me at the fence today,
You said it so beautifully!
I putter a lot because I can’t seem to get it all together!
Oh my goodness – I love this!! My friend and I were just talking about this the other day – and her word for it is putzing! You are so right, it is therapeutic!!
YES, I love time to putter. Time to stack the balls of yarn in the basket, time to straighten the kitchen towel drawer, time to talk to my plants and give them more than the obligatory watering, time to put new batteries in one of the candles I keep in the fireplace (gotta get down on the floor to reach in–and then get back up!), time to rearrange some schatzkes from one room to another……those little things that go by the wayside while doing the big things. But, those little things can make such a difference and make me feel contented. I have been trying to sell my home for several months so I can feel that frustration you talk about. Am wondering just what is God’s plan, what is He trying to say to me? And the feeling you described coming home from a trip, I always say to myself “did I used to live here?” “where did I keep this before?” and then I start the washer and begin to feel at home again.
This is so true! There are so many big projects that need to be done around my house and it has become overwhelming. Yesterday, I spent a lot of time puttering and set aside all of my anxiety over the big issues. I put flowers in my duaghter’s room. I moved pictures and brought out some forgotten candlesticks. Those simple changes made my home feel fresher and brighter. It was good for the house and good for my soul. God really does make his presence known through the simple things in life. Thank you, Vanessa!
Putter or Putz–you are so right–soul soothing! How many times do we feel that we have to accomplish “major” tasks, but it is in those small, slower moments we feel so much peace. Added to my first cup of coffee and beautiful rays of sunshine (although the temperature isn’t so sunny) this has been a beautiful way to begin my Friday. Thank you and putter on!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes!! You are so right! When I putter (or putz as Teresa mentioned) my world feels like it gets reset and reordered. It’s like a beautiful interlude in a piece of music. So necessary and yet seems so unnecessary. There’s nothing like the resulting satisfaction. In those moments we really live.
Sorry for your challenging flight home. Hope you’re beginning to get in your groove. Best wishes as you work on yet another book!
Thanks for meeting at the Picket Fence this morning. Puttering is truly good therapy!! I enjoyed reading the word “discombobulated”. Haven’t heard that in years but know the feeling!
Our Church Circle is enjoying using your book, “Life In Season” for our lessons.
Will look forward to your new book. Joann
oh i just love this prespective…and your puttering. your family pic is beautiful. congrats to your niece.
Loved this post! I think because I am, by nature, such a homebody I love puttering. Sometimes when all the family is gone, which isn’t often, I treasure that time to sink into my house.
Congrats on the graduation! We just had my daughter graduate and I was reminded again of what a special event a high school graduation is. There is nothing quite like it. And I have to look up this game! We’re a “game” family and I’ve never heard of it!
Happy weekend!
Sheila
Xo
I’m glad you made it home safely even though getting there was stressful.
“Puttering” is good and laundry is therapeutic for me. I love putting away
fresh clean towels and organizing my linen closet. Is that crazy or what?
Not crazy at all Margaret!! I find those things totally therapeutic too!
In the south, we putter around outside. Inside we piddle. Both are definitely sweet encouragement and simple times blessed by God. Lovely post. It brought a smile to my heart and my face.
Oh I love that distinction Sherry!! I may have to start using those terms myself even though I’m not a southerner. 😉
Great post! I LOVE a day when I
m home alone and can just PUTTER as well.
Hi Vanessa. – We call it pottering about here in England.
Hope your luggage got back to you in one piece.
I love this word and its meaning. I need to do more puttering instead of intentional and forceful things that drain and leave no room to hear or ponder. Thanks for the sweet reminder!
On the days I putter, I can look back and see that I have accomplished something, but maybe not what was intended. But it is usually refreshing.
I will say I love your blog, but I do miss hearing more from Heather, and “her” side of the fence.
Love you guys!
Oh how well I relate. In our house my husband refers to it as “nesting”, I guess he thinks of our home as our nest and I just go from corner to corner doing exactly what you talked about. Stay on task or only do one thing at once??? not this bird!
You have a lovely family! And now more memories to preserve and cherish.
The power of puttering or putzing around the house is real and tangible! It sounds like it helped heal your soul and get you grounded after a long trip. It’s something I do regularly especially coming home from a trip. There is a part of me that is happy to be home but then my heart is gently grieving that the trip and family time has come to an end. I always get a little melancholy after coming home from Florida after visiting some of my family that live far away. I loved this post and you verbalized it perfectly.
Piddle, putter, putz, potter….so many different words for the same thing! Whatever you call it, we all know exactly what you’re talking about!