Bobby bought a refrigerator to go in our pantry. It isn’t here yet, but last week I made the decision to paint our pantry before it arrives. I moved its contents into our dining room and kitchen. Then, I went away for the weekend. Bobby and I attended a convention in Hyannis, which was very nice.

This week I prepped, painted the ceiling, trim, and walls, and returned about 75% of the items back into the pantry. I moved the remaining 25% into the basement. I worked fairly quickly because I wanted to clean the house and prepare for Rachel’s birthday party on Saturday. I needed to skip some of my usual activities on Wednesday and Thursday, including working out and preparing healthy meals, but… mission accomplished!

While I worked, I listened to some talks on Theology of the Body and world religions. These were educational. I also listened to some YouTube videos about decluttering, and one video, by Fr. Columba Jordan, that has stuck in my mind because of the question he asked: Are you replacing contact with content? What a catchy little phrase!

Since today is the beginning of Holy Week, I am going to try to make this week a quiet one. I’m planning to declutter and deep clean my kitchen. I am also going to try to remain open and attentive to the Presence of God. Maybe I can keep away from the TV and my iPhone, talk less, listen more, and just be in the moment.

I might journal. I hope to slow down a bit… to remove the distractions… I’m going to start now with a Taize Holy Hour at our parish Church. Peace.