Life comes at each of us fast and furious and it is hard to take it all in. Today I am finding it to be one of those days when I realize that each and every moment counts. I live in a little bubble sometimes—-isolated and protected from the outside world, oblivious to the distractions and going ons of the rest of the world. I try to be aware but I know that my world is very far removed from the world that others live in.
The holiday rush is upon us and I, like many, am trying to keep calm and steadfast in my resolve that the holidays will not own me. I want to enjoy each moment and not be overwhelmed by preparations and to do lists. But it is so hard. There are decorations to put out and I feel the pull of the neighborhood as all of the other houses on our cul de sac have outdoor Christmas lights. Our house has simple garland, wreaths and bows with no outlandish light displays. When someone asked directions to our house the other day I told them to look for the one that looked like Grinches lived there. Our decorations pale in comparison but you know what? I am okay with that.
The cookies are almost all baked, the presents are purchased but in piles in my office, the Christmas cards are on the kitchen table ready to be labeled and stamped. But wait—I still have to buy the stamps, don’t I? Another thing to put on the list.
We have no parties to go to this season but I did take in a delightful performance of The Nutcracker and we will go to a fabulous choral concert this weekend featuring Una Vocis—-a local group with amazing talent.
I am trying to focus on being calm this season.
Embracing the moments as they arrive.
Savoring each card that makes its way into our mailbox.
Smiling as I shovel yet another shovelful of that white stuff we call snow.
Pausing to take the time to be appreciative of all that we have been blessed with.
Making a point of having tea in the afternoon and a little sit down time to reflect.
Trying to give all the cares on my heart over to God.
Preparing my heart for the coming celebration of the Nativity.
It’s all about the calm for me this year.
What about you?
