Joyful Hermit has a theme of life.  You would expect a hermit to love God, but love is for everyone.  That is why Joyful chooses love as a theme for life, and the heart shape is a good statement of this theme, although there are other imprints both visible and invisible for the theme of love.  These imprints may be repeated and varied depending upon the event, season, persons and purpose.

Also, a theme has sub-themes.  These add the variety just as God has provided numerous variations in the beauty of nature, music, art and words that He so lovingly provides for us.  In fact, all people are beautiful in variations of color, size, height, gender, ages, cultures, talents and personalities.

Since we hear much about how it is well to specialize rather than generalize, as specialization keeps life focused, efficient and simple, Joyful Hermit recommends that each of us prayerfully consider what we might choose as a theme for our lives.  Then, depending upon that theme, include variations of the theme with sub-themes.

Joyful loves love, God, family, church, the spiritual reading, and gardening.  The cooking comes as a means of supporting life in order to love…and so forth.  Thus, hearts and warm colors remind of love, crosses and religious art remind of God and church, photos and objects of family remind of my loved ones, religious books provide for lectio divina (spiritual reading), and a garden thematic reminds of the beauty of our created world.

The hermitage here is decorated in such manner.  Hobbies and interests echo the theme and sub-themes.  Cooking and clothing, gifts down to the wrappings, as well as artwork, music, wall paint and flooring, birdhouses and trees–all exemplify the thematic life chosen after prayerful consideration of my essence and vocation as a person, as a soul, existing on this earth.

Further, we also do well to discover our “motto” for and in life, but for now ponder and choose a life theme and its outflow in sub-themes.  You may find this an easy task as you examine your life, your God-given tendencies and talents, and your earthly surroundings.

You will soon realize that specializing on your theme and its outflow will bring your life to a fullness and simplicity in spiritual as well as practical ways.  Your shopping, finances, foods, decor, dress, environment, activities, interests, and especially your heart-and-soul will delightfully unfold in surprising manner.