December 17, 2016

  • Watching and Waiting

    Before Advent began, I had my "game plan" prepared. This year I was going to have all my shopping done. I was going to decorate and leisurely bake cookies. There would be time for reflection, devotions, sacred scripture reading, and quiet prayer and meditation. It started out so well. All things falling into place. Christmas cards were addressed and mailed, the gifts were purchased and even wrapped. The house was decorated. I had my Bible at hand. John has 21 chapters making it a chapter a day... I felt that everything was flowing along smoothly. Then life happened. The messy business of living intruded into my well ordered and neatly organized agenda. I suppose it was to be expected. Humans are unpredictable and for the most part chaos magnets. I've been fighting off a cold ever since my dentist visit. Work turmoil has put a damper on my spirit. And it snowed. Somehow my snow boots disappeared and it took both Sparky and me a half day to find them. With all the fancy parties I have been trying to put together festive outfits that are not only fashionable but warm - not an easy task. So with my immune system in rebellion and my stress levels rising to a critical point I realized that I've stopped watching for that "star of wonder" and I've grown weary of waiting for the "sweet Saviors birth".

    So I'm taking a moment to breathe deep. I'm letting go of the tension. Christmas is coming and I've got to get ready. Of course the best way to do that has nothing to do with cookies and wrapping paper. With my eyes closed I'll open my heart. There is a sign there that says "Vacancy".

Comments (16)

  • I love that you heart has a Vacancy sign. Mine does too. Of course that's easier when you're retired, and the kids are grown and gone (and hubby is in Heaven.)

    • The distractions at this time of the year make it more difficult since there is so much stuff cluttering the heart and mind...

  • May you find the peace you are looking for. God knows your heart and intentions, and appreciates you realizing the true meaning for celebration, and how it's not about parties, trees, pretty lights or gifts, other than His gift to us. May you be blessed by knowing Him.

  • Aw... feel better! For the most part, my only excuse is, "I don't feel like [insert task] today." As a result, even though I started well, I'm now far behind on the baking and cleaning. It'll get done, eventually. Thom may not get his cookies until Valentine's Day...

    • Did you see wild woman's post on FB? She just discovered an almond braid and wasn't sure who sent it... Today is a perfect day to bake since it is so old out!

  • I'm pretty much done, except for 5 letters& cards, and some wrapping -- but today I have to tidy a bit because a friend's son is coming to dig a couple of sleeping bags out of my stairway closet for the homeless -- an Eagle Scout project.

    • Sounds like a good cause - and a good excuse to do some cleaning. I'm always looking for an excuse not to clean!

  • I'm sorry that this holiday season isn't going as planned. Are you feeling any better from your cold? And congrats on the outfits, I am having a hard time in that aspect. I'm either freezing and well dressed or I look like a hobo lol.

    • I was introduced to fleece lined leggings and tights! They are the absolute way to go when you need to wear a dress in this winter cold! Speaking of colds I'm still fighting to stay healthy - vitamins, oranges, zicam, and of course the universal cure - Chocolate!

  • Yes it is wise to let in your heart a silent and calm waiting room , Val, to welcome Jesus
    And since you speak of Advent the two first Sundays tell us to remain awake and ready for the unexpected arrival.
    ( This being said with my poor English that does not improve with the age ! :)

    Merrt Christmas Val and Sparky.
    Love
    Michel .

    • Thanks Michel! Your English is perfect compared to my French! This is the 4th Sunday in Advent and we are really feeling the excitement and sense of expectation! A very Blessed Christmas to you and Janine and the rest of the family!

  • @murisopsis: I saw her post and decided to keep quiet and let it be a mystery for a while. I was sure you or Beth would probably solve the mystery for her. Haha! My name should have been on the shipping label.

    • Hehe! She admitted to just tossing boxes into another room (I can't imagine they were really "tossed" with her OCD). I can however see the boxes being broken down and discarded without looking at the address labels!

  • @murisopsis: try some hot and sour soup. Its amazing for colds, also try breath original from the honey shop. It works wonders!

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