of what matters.......
All my attempts to slow down and savour the days have zapped out the window. I have spent the day trying to finish odds and ends and make calls and deliver cards and gifts and go to appointments and entertain visitors (which I love) and......
Sigh.
One of these years I will get things right.
Apparently the shops are a lot busier now. That would be because some have slashed prices by 65%.
And then......
And then I read of the death of a newborn baby who only lived a few days, and the heartbreak of her parents, anointing her with their tears. And the stillbirth of another precious little girl, born long before her intended time. And the heartbreak and grief....
And it puts the world into perspective.
Do shops matter? Bargains?
And I start to think.....
How many blessings, gifts we take for granted. How I have been preoccupied with things which are totally unimportant in the greater scheme of things. How I have slowed in my gratitude recording. How I have relegated the truth of Christmas to the sidelines in favour of COOKIE BAKING.
What is it with me? Us? Humankind????
How do we lose the plot?
We are about to celebrate the greatest event in the history of the universe, and yet......
We forget it should be central. Every single moment of every single day.
The tears of the parents wash through my heart too, and I ache for them. I thank God for their faith. And I sit here, and I sing softly to myself of another child born so long ago........
And I remember.
6 comments:
Linds, this is absolutely beautiful and profound. The story of Anna Joy went worldwide, it seems. So many have prayed, and so many are in mourning. The parents are from my niece and nephew's church in Washington. So sad.
Our community chorale concerts this year were so profoundly about the real Christmas story that it blessed my heart every night. I was thrilled to see at least 1500 people who went to a "cantata" whether they knew it or not. It was amazing.
There are so many stories of heartbreak this Christmas Season. I tell myself each time I learn of one that this is why He came. For this we have Jesus. I do not believe for a second that you have given preference to cookie baking over the Christ. More that you have wanted to serve your family, your friends with the little joys that make Christmas bright. That is not to be scorned. Not at all.
There is so much joy and love in the many things you do that you should not feel guilty. I do like the reminder, however, to savor each day and moment.
Blesses Christmas to you too, Linds. I'll be thinking of your words all day.
Beautiful words and a reminder I needed to hear. Thanks.
My Christmas wish for you, my friend
Is not a simple one
For I wish you hope and joy and peace
Days filled with warmth and sun
I wish you love and friendship too
Throughout the coming year
Lots of laughter and happiness
To fill your world with cheer
May you count your blessings, one by one
And when totaled by the lot
May you find all you've been given
To be more than what you sought
May your journeys be short, your burdens light
May your spirit never grow old
May all your clouds have silver linings
And your rainbows pots of gold
I wish this all and so much more
May all your dreams come true
May you have a Merry Christmas friend
And a happy New Year, too .. xoxo
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