Well, we have really slipped on our Monday Matters project the last few weeks, as some other things have taken precedence. Not the least of which is my husband, Jim's, last ditch effort to raise money for a particular large piece of land where he wants to build a health/spirituality retreat. A lot of energy has gone into this project and time is running out. The land will be auctioned soon if we don't get the purchase price together.
Even though this has been mainly Jim's job, a lot of my energy and time has gone into it too--mostly in cheer leading and offering varied points of view, which may sometimes muddle things for him rather than making them clearer. But I've decided to step out of that cheer mode for a moment and say why I want the "Cherryville" place.
I can write anywhere. I can teach anywhere. I love being in nature--not anywhere, but most places in southern Missouri would suit me fine. But this place is unique. It's near the St. Francis "mountains" (really big hills). There are woods. In fact, it is bordered by national forest land. I live in the middle of the woods now; what makes the "Cherryville" place different is that there are also clearings where you can see the sky. And on those rolling hills, I feel like I'm part of the sky. There is a beautiful spring, where I want to play my flute. It feeds a pond which is stocked with trout, and I can just see my youngest son learning to fly fish right there.
The idea of the retreat is unique in that it is a vision that encompasses such a wide variety of treats for the soul that I know my older son would find something to do there that would interest him--maybe working in the organic gardens or growing herbs. Maybe cooking nutritious meals. Maybe landscaping or helping to create sacred spaces. Maybe he will become a natural healer. There is truly something for everyone. Except maybe not for somebody who prefers chaotic hustle and bustle.
I like that Jim's heart is set on sharing the place and its abundance with all kinds of people. I am thankful he wants to create a space for people to rest, relax and heal. And, on that note, I think I just stepped back onto the cheer squad.
