Pilgrim Month

Today is the last day of October. Tomorrow begins "the Thanksgiving month," and for us (and possibly some other Hoovers), Pilgrim Month. If you're unfamiliar with Pilgrim Month, it is primarily characterized by 30 days of limited electricity use but can also include nightly family reading, pilgrim crafts, earlier bed times, wood-burning heat, etc. It is a month of slowing down, disconnecting from plugged-in society and enjoying the simpler pleasures of life. Last year, due to a significant loss in the family, Chris and I skipped the Pilgrim tradition but this year we are ready to accept the challenge once again, welcoming the quiet nights, increased productivity, and the soft beauty of life by candlelight.

While shifts in housing conditions and employment demands annually dictate the extent of our Pilgrim immersion, these are the modifications we've agreed upon for this year:
*Use of candles, not lights. We have a box full of candles- pillar, tea and taper- as well as oil-burning lamps, that serve exlusively as our light sources at night. It's stunning! (and no, we don't turn on lights when people come over)
*No television. This most significantly impacts our evening entertainment, but is always helpful in promoting conversation, reading, Scrabble games, and going to bed without the need to unwind from T.V. screen over-stimulation. 
*Limited computer useage. Since a large majority of communication and work happens electronically, it is unrealistic to log-off for 30 days but we will eliminate mindless browsing and surfing. Pinterest, I will miss you dearly. Blogspot activity: TBD. 
*Limited phone useage (apps). I've noticed that while watching T.V. we both spend a lot of time skimming through phone apps- filling time during commercials or uninspiring episodes. My eyes are feeling relief just anticipating a break from the glowing screen!


Contrary to popular opinion, Pilgrim Month is not impossible to survive! In fact, during our last pilgrimage we emerged better rested, enhanced as a couple, and, after putting forth much thought for diversion and conversation, more creative! Besides the cozy, candle-lit nights of piling on the couch and taking turns reading through books together, what I love most about this tradition is the way it slows our racing, technology-buzzing minds and prepares our hearts for the year's-end merriment celebrating gratitude, love and hope. During these 30 days we have an opportunity to be fully present with each other and others, taking full advantage of a paired-down environment. Additionally, we have some personal goals for the month: Chris is planning to utilize nights and/or weekends to finish studying for licensing exams #six and #seven, with sights set on taking one exam in November and the other in December. I will be setting out to write several pages/entries on my infertility project, as well as preparing for Christmas gift-giving. Together, we are excited to celebrate 6 years of marriage on November 19th and we are also (sometimes) training for the Dana Point 10K "Turkey Trot" race on Thanksgiving morning. 


We're ready for lights out! Are you?! Seriously though, we love ending a year with this tradition. A couple months ago I finished reading, One Thousand Gifts, a documentation by Ann Voskamp of learning to live a life of gratitude--a full life--gratefully and whole-heartedly accepting and partaking of the daily bread given by God, as modeled by Christ. Throughout the book, Voskamp repeats two phrases that I find myself reciting often: "Eucharisteo [thanksgiving] always precedes the miracle," and "All is grace." By example she implores readers to daily list all that we recognize as grace, whether easy or difficult to receive. It is in the constant awareness of God and gratitude for His provision of daily bread that we begin to truly live lives of profound beauty and purpose. November is a natural month to rekindle whatever heart embers of gratitude have not been squelched by a hard year or by the persistent voice of Society, sowing deep its seeds of discontent. For me, November is a perfect month to commit to the habit of daily listing my thanks, not just for 30 days...but as a lifestyle. 


The Pilgrims worked hard, sacrificed much and set before us an example of stopping to give thanks. Wishing you plenty of quiet moments with loved ones, taking note of God's beauty and provision all around so that your heart overflows with thanks. Happy November!

Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18