A Haven in "Little Women"

I’m reading “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott . . . again. It’s my favorite book ever, and I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve read it. My father gave me a beautiful copy of the book when I was a teenager, and it still looks lovely even after all the readings.

“Little Women” never falls to inspire my heart – the time period of modesty and gentility, the beauty of the language, the quaint descriptions of home, the lessons taken to heart by the rich-in-spirit characters, the simple adventures of the girls and their playmates, and Marmee’s heart of service for her children and those around her.

I always come away from reading a chapter or two with a deeper desire to serve others. The book does a wonderful job of echoing another Book – one which wisely proclaims that true joy comes in service. Along that same line, “Little Women” also has a way of deepening my desire to create a haven around me – for my husband, my children and anyone who enters our home. I want others to feel a sense of peace and joy when they come in contact with our farm, our family, and me. Little by little the Lord is faithful in fleshing out this desire by working on my heart – rooting out selfish ways, revealing ways to be more thoughtful, placing within me a deeper desire to look for ways to create a haven in which others are blessed.

As an extension of our home, I also want this blog to be a haven – a place of rest, of beauty, of inspiration for those who visit. “Life in Skunk Hollow” has become a visual journal of our lives for myself and my family, but I also view it as a ministry. A ministry to bless those whom the Lord sees fit to bring to it for an idea, a thought, a recipe, an inspiration, a moment’s rest from the busy world out there. I trust that He will continue to use it as He sees fit, and that you would, indeed, be inspired and blessed by stopping here for a bit.

May you have a truly lovely day!