With a love for the chambered nautilus

We're preparing to move again. When we arrived here in Elsah, almost three years ago, we were offered campus housing in a beautiful Colonial house that even included a section of finished basement that was perfect for me. But there is no flat surface to this property, no place for the kids to play, very little room for a small garden. My area does not have a bathroom so I must go up a flight of stairs to use the powder room and up another to take a shower. the biggest challenge for all of us is the very steep driveway, very difficult to drive up with the least bit of ice or snow. We were actually housebound several times.  So when another house became available up the street we walked through it and decided we would move into it. It also has a finished basement for me, and this time there is a full bath. The driveway is flat and I think I may be able to do some gardening this summer. So we are busy going through everything and packing up. And wondering how so much accumulated in so short a time. Sigh.

It is an opportunity to really look at what we have, some boxes which never did get opened, and decided what we should donate or give away. That brings me to one of my favorite animals, the chambered nautilus. We actually got to see one in an aquarium in Hawaii. They even had a 'baby nursery' with little nautiluses swimming around.

You are probably familiar with the beautiful spiral within their shell. As the nautilus grows, it adds sections on. Before it seals off each section, it carefully disposes of any 'rubbish' left inside and then it adds a bit of gas. This adds to the buoyancy of the shell. The rubbish would only slow it down. I love the concept of clearing out the rubbish as I continue my spiritual growth. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health on page 324: "Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, - this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."

We sometimes find ourselves at a place where we know we have caught a glimpse of Truth and understand more about God and our special relationship to Him as His beloved child, made in His image and likeness. For me, this often happens when I have had a physical healing or seen some discordant situation resolved with blessing on both sides.

I think it a brilliant idea to stop once in a while and assess how much we have allowed to accumulate in thought. To be willing to clear out any false thinking, to feel joyous to see those things disappear. What freedom as one moves on. What joy to feel light and buoyant. It adds to my growing understanding of what home really is. I am grateful for all the things I have and I am looking forward to placing them in my new 'lovely basement'.

Love has provided and continues to provide so much good in my life. His arm truly encircles me and mine and all.