dual personalities

As I mentioned, I have been reading the latest Mitford book, To Be Where You Are, and I have to say, I am enjoying it immensely.

Here is an interesting short interview with the author Jan Karon.

Hardly anyone believes me when I say that Mitford is everywhere; it is portable, we carry it with us if we choose to. Just be thoughtful of and really interested in others. And hear this: Listen. That is a great start to discovering that Mitford is everywhere you go. I promise.

She is correct, of course. Mitford is the people, not the place (although I do love the place.)

What I have learned reading the Mitford series over the years–and I have read all 14 novels, several times–is that we must appreciate and be thankful for the little things, and take joy in them. Enjoying basic things like having a roof over one’s head and good food on the table and a fire on the hearth leads to contentment. Add to this, being engaged with one’s community and loving your neighbors, and you will be a happy fellow indeed.

The other thing I have learned is that prayer is nothing without Trust. You can pray your head off, but if you don’t really trust God and believe that everything will be okay, it all means nothing.

Philippians 4:13, for pete’s sake!

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength,” in case you’ve forgotten.

And don’t forget the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.

So if you are feeling down–and who hasn’t felt down lately?–take a trip to Mitford. Turn off the TV news and read a book!

P.S. I have been watching Hamish Macbeth on Netflix as recommended by my DP and it is wonderful! Another small village filled with characters!