Refining

For an explanation of my one-word goal for the year to refine myself, click here. For last year's word, act, click here.

My kids collect the eggs. Each day, they comment about the color and shape.

Their colors range from dark brown through lightest beige. Some look like they've been unevenly left in dye--fading from light to dark, or blotchy instead of speckled. Once, one was kind of purplish pink. One chicken always lays green eggs.

Their shapes vary as well. Big and small, rounder or longer than usual--even ridged and lumpy, on occasion.

Chickens squawk and cluck each time they lay an egg. I didn't know that. I don't think it hurts to lay an egg, but there is some discomfort and work associated with this daily process.

My work to refine myself this year is a little like laying that egg each day. Some days, my efforts are pretty--evenly colored and shaped. Other days are small, uneven, inconsistent, even lumpy.

I'm trying to see the beauty in each day and appreciate the work each day takes.

And trying not to squawk too much about it.