All is bright
Tis the season for so much…and not enough. So much to do and not enough time. So many gifts to buy and not enough money. So many parties to go to and never enough dresses.
And sometimes, in all of that ‘too muchness' we forget to just be. To stand still and enjoy the here and now.
I have been binge watching Hallmark Christmas movies while I am working on my Christmas gifts. Besides the girl meeting the boy and overcoming ALL obstacles to be together…I watch them because I love the little towns. The snow. The community. The tree lighting.
I realize that what I really love is the togetherness. Being present in the moment…and not glued to an endless list of to-do’s.
That feeling of being present in the moment can be magical. Because presence can easily be replaced by productivity. But being present is where the memories happen. You see, our hands are made to hold only one moment at a time. And those moments in time add up…until your heart is overflowing.
Family traditions.
Through the years we established traditions. In other words…my family knew what to expect at any given moment during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. We found comfort in knowing. And anticipation in what was to come.
From the turkey day dinner and dessert…to the decorating…to the Christmas eve dinner…reading books on Christmas eve….to the Santa paper, cookies and milk left out and what would happen on Christmas morning. All anticipated and all accomplished.
Now, my kids are all grown. My youngest, Nicole, has a 21 month old toddler!! For the first time…in like 40+ years, no one is coming to our house for Christmas. My husband and I are going to Nicole’s for Christmas. Nicole is planning the menu, decorating….and establishing traditions of her own. She will make her own memories with her family. Willy and I will be along for the ride. Just like my mom was along for the ride when she came to our house for Christmas.
Our hearts can hold so much more.
And I realize that even though our hands can only hold one moment at a time, our hearts can hold so much more. Our hearts hold the memories of the crackling fire, the twinkling lights, the look of awe as an unexpected gift is unwrapped. The hot cocoa and Christmas pjs. The big neck hugs and the tucking in on Christmas eve.
Our hearts sink into the moments of the past. Those moments when we were present. Those moments when we made a point to just be. Those moments when we chose to notice. To pause. It's all in the pause. Because when we pause we are calm. And where all is calm…all is bright.
So, I would like to encourage you to start early. Make your lists, plan your menus, go shopping, do your baking…whatever it is you need to do. And if time is your enemy right now, take your lists and cut them in half. And then half again. This will give you some breathing room…some wiggle room. So that you can sit back and enjoy the moments as they unfold.
I had no idea that the memories I made when I was younger and my kids were running around, were memories that I would keep close when my kids were grown.
Life IS fleeting. Those kids WILL be grown. You ARE getting older. Don’t let the presents get in the way of your presence.
And no matter what your Christmas holds…remember that all is bright.
What is Joyful Living all about?
Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help!
To begin, go ahead and read:
3 Financial Mistakes Most Women Make
Looking at Life Through the Lens of God
5 Ways to Get Ahead Financially
must reads
Marriage Killing Money Issues
check 'em out
