Rhythms of Life

Many folks, I would guess, are at least passing familiar with what it might mean to be a practicing Jewish mother (of a hundred-some years ago, maybe), if only because of the beautiful images of Sabbath preparation and ritual led by Golde in Fiddler on the Roof.

What is not so known, I would guess, are the rhythms of life familiar to a Mormon woman, the harmonizing patterns small and great organizing and shaping life. Rhythms that come daily, like family prayer; weekly, like teaching in Primary; monthly, like fasting for the poor or worshipping in the temple; or twice annually, like joining brothers and sisters around the world in hearing the words of the prophets at general conference. Circles of life opening and closing with rituals marking the passage of time as children grow up and go on missions and start their own families.

I find myself in a strange place in life, at the moment; one that I find hard to articulate. My rhythms of life continue, with defining central meaning to me--yet outside of my home and heart, it is as if such rhythms do not exist. I feel a distinct sense of disconnect, in some ways, between different parts of daily living. What connects a woman within--and without? I look for mentors who have bridged this gap, or who understand what it is that I cannot say, but I know not where to find them.