Filed under: monthly theme
That is my theme for the month of December 2009.
No one has mentioned just how, ahem, different you think I am for nominating a monthly theme. I haven’t heard a single WTF? So I know you’re all just snickering into your sleeves, as I would be.
I like it anyway.
It suits me. Themes may be the stuff of proms and English classes, but I see the world in metaphor, so it works for me.
I like the idea of having a concept the meditate on in the quiet moments of this month, something that helps me remember what I want Christmas to be. I like that it popped into my head and I have slowly discovered all of the ways it intersects with my life (as in, the song Amazing Grace, which is my dad’s favorite song). I like the simple notion that December 2009 has some little thing that marks its very own slot.
I stole it from the Mormons. I have become somewhat entranced with reading blogs of various Mormon moms (they all lead back to each other eventually if you read enough), and, curious, I poked around a Mormon website and stumbled on their penchant for introducing themes every year to their young folks:
Young men and young women should have a regularly scheduled activity night, called Mutual.The term Mutual suggests shared experiences in which there is mutual respect and support for one another.Mutual is held on a day or an evening other than Sunday or Monday.
They have everything from theme music to posters and, of course, lots and lots of lessons.
This is the 2010 theme: be strong and of a good courage.
There are many things about LDS that I like.
Things that seem to find in life a robustness and a joy all its own, apart from money (although somehow they all seem to have plenty of that) and location and the general trappings we often credit for our happiness.
And notice how Mutual has to be held on some night other than Sunday or Monday? That’s because Sundays are for church and Mondays are dedicated Family Home Evenings, nights devoted to activities that build family unity.
I think it’s lovely.
And I am the girl who refuses to say “Namaste” at the end of yoga class because that is co-opting religion. So I respect that FHE and mutual themes and all of that serve a larger theological purpose for the LDS church, but I’m sure the Mormons are all for the rest of us learning to protect and enjoy each other, and marvel at you if you are already able to do that because I am still practicing, and ask if I might ask you a few questions because I am just so curious and I find the idea perfectly delightful and could we share?
