Last night, when filling my gas tank, I decided it was time for clean windows. Years ago, I discovered that a clean windshield makes everything – yes everything – seem brighter, more manageable, and more hopeful. I needed to drive home with these outlooks. Sadly, last night’s cleaning water was so dirty it left a dirty residue on the side windows.
Happily, the front window is clean! Hope has returned. Today is a new day. Yesterday’s roller-coaster of an exhilarating workday that plummeted into a face-punching (figuratively) stepchild experience is nearly behind me. The consequences of the “punch” will play out in the days and years ahead – and I am not yet sure where they will fall. My hope of course is that things will work out harmoniously and productively in all ways.
Back to clean windows. When we can see clearly, with less emotional-mud filtering our views, we are more likely to arrive at mature and respectful discussions and responses. Cloudy, fogged, streaked, muddy, pollen-covered, spider-webbed windows represent emotional-mud. Respectful dialogue can create empathy and understanding. Respectful discussions lead to possible and even agreed-upon next steps and solutions. Clean windows – no mud!
Today’s sunlight shows just how much dirt was in the washing fluid last night. I need to tackle the side windows again. How often do we benefit from a good night’s rest and discover the next day how well things stand, or how “dirty the windows” still are?
Nesting involves windows – in our living spaces and into our souls. When our physical windows are dirty, the day becomes cloudy and dark. When our soul-windows are grayed, hopeful futures are darkened or even cease to exist. The creation of safe spaces, for living and for respectful conversations, is very much a part of nesting too.
Pause for a moment. Take in the windows around you. Are they clean? What can you see through them? What do you hope to see through them?
Pause long enough to clean your windows! Which one will you begin with today?
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. Also, enjoy browsing NestingCards.com for fun, for gifts, and for joy-spreading possibilities. ~ Jana
Jana Kemp
