Candelight

I adore the gentle glow of burning candles. While I am sure that I am not alone in this sentiment, I am reaffirming my passion, as they come back into my life. My particular brand of parenting involves simply removing most issues from our lives. For example, I don't keep chemicals in a cupboard with a child lock, I basically stopped using them. We switched to natural cleaners like vinegar and eliminated the potential for a problem along with the worry of what if. When the Bug reached that first hallmark of baby mobility, not staying where you put them, (This was introduced at the time by her rolling over, underneath the couch, and therefore disappearing. Thanks for that heart-failure there my dear.) I began to eliminate things from my life that were a potential issue. I want my children to hear more yes' than no's in a day and while I believe they need to learn that some things are off limits, I don't want that lesson to be with either treasures close to my heart, or with things that may harm them. As a mother, I also choose to structure my home in a way that gives me peace of mind, knowing they are safe, even if they 'forget' what they are not supposed to touch. Due to these choices, candles have been relegated to the shelf high above my refrigerator for some years. Aside from a few special occasions, we have not had a chance to enjoy the warm friendly glow they impart. This Advent season we followed a ritual of lighting the candles each evening for a family prayer time, followed by dinner. The girls coming maturity was shown in their behavior and though the season of Advent has passed, the nightly prayers just before dinner are not the only things to stick around. Another chapter has passed and most evenings I am found enjoying the warmth and kind light that a simple flame imparts. Did past generations even notice their charm, or did they take them for granted as simple necessities of the day. What common items do we take for granted, ones that may someday be seen in a whole new light?