I’ve been spending a lot of time on planes recently and I am an aisle seat girly, mostly because I usually have to get up at least once per flight (big water drinker) and I hate to inconvenience people. But last week, I ended up changing my flight last minute and found myself by the window, in the last available seat.
While I did feel a tad claustrophobic over there, everything changed when I opened the windows. I don’t know what’s going on with travelers these days, but NOBODY opens plane windows anymore. We are literally hurtling through the clouds, above the beautiful American landscape below, and no one is paying attention!! It’s because we have all these little screens in our hands, so we’re rocketing forward in a metal tube with no visual of what’s outside.
But last week, I was seated by not one but TWO windows. It was captivating. I saw mountains and rivers and even a lighting storm as I flew into San Diego. It was a little perspective shift that I needed – most flights, I’m hunched over my computer, frantically trying to get work done, but just the majesty of what was out the window pulled me out of my little bubble and gave me a chance to pause, take a breath, and gain some (literal) perspective.
And the only little change between that flight and the one I’m on right now is that the tiny piece of plastic window shade was open. My neighbor two seats away has no idea that I’m writing this, yet he keeps flirting with the idea of opening the window shade, which has been closed for most of this four hour flight (UPDATE: IT IS OPEN NOW! And I can see bright and sparkly city below me! Magical! Romantic! Swoon!)
It’s making me think if there are any other little “window shades” in my life that might benefit from being opened (or closed). Another open window shade this week: I got to spend the week working in DC!! Everything felt shiny and new since I’ve been traveling so much. Some shut window shades this week: I fasted from YouTube (my love) and Twitter (less of love) last week, and I felt myself so much more buoyant and free.
Do you have any window shades you’d benefit from opening (or closing)? Please comment and let me know!
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
A perfect San Diego Weekend
I always love coming to San Diego, and this weekend it was for the very special opportunity to celebrate Alex and Sarah’s wedding! My bff Erica and her family live there too so I was able to see so many people I love (and meet her baby niece!) What a delight to be in a beautiful place, with people I love, celebrating a truly joyful day. God is so good!
FINALLY I can share my favorite bag ever!!
I chased down a girl in the Metro two weeks ago who had this bag (maybe the cutest thing I’d EVER seen) and immediately ordered one for myself and one for my best friend, Erica. It’s CUTE AS HECK. And the people agree — nothing I have ever owned has made me more friends on the street / at work / the train / etc. So don’t get one if you don’t want to get approached by strangers 5-10 times a day. I love love love it! I got on Labor Day sale (it was 50% off), you can see the whole line here at Panessa House.
It’s St. Therese Novena time!!
My favorite Novena began yesterday - leading up to St. Therese’s feast day on October 1. Jump in now, and ask her for roses!! In 2016, I prayed this novena for the first time and asked for a pink rose in my hand (!!) and on her feast day, a man biked up to me and handed me a pink rose. That was the beginning of me thinking, “Hmm let’s see what this whole St. Therese thing is about…” and last year I went to visit her home and convent in Lisieux (you can read about that here)! She’s a very powerful intercessor, so buckle up :)
I’m obsessed w this song - perfect for beachy drives around Southern California!
Two spiritual books that are rocking me right now:
I Burned for Your Peace by Peter Kreeft. Peter Kreeft is a philosopher and professor at Boston College, and this is a PHENOMENAL breakdown of St. Augustine’s Confessions. After my Thomistic Institute retreat last weekend, I’m feeling rejuvenated for a little philosophy / theology deep dive. It makes The Confessions so accessible and it’s all around 12/10.
St. Teresa of Avila Autobiography. We’re still in this, and it gets better every page. This woman is a powerhouse. I love her.
Prayer intentions
For a special intention