Christmas time is a beautiful time. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. A baby born in a manger, celebrated by farm animals, three wise men and, of course, his proud parents, Mary and Joseph.
Sadly, for many, this time of year is full of nonstop anxiety. There is so much outside noise one can barely remember why they are running around with tinsel and balls, multi-tasking lists, and joyfully driving through stop signs with fake reindeer antlers sticking out of every window.
Grief beholds us for those missing. The young and old faces we remember joking around the Christmas tree or the glint in their eyes when giving and receiving an unexpected gift. We remember them slowly passing away. Some, at Christmas. We just remember them. Or the suddenness of it all at anytime. All of the wonderment of family stories flooding back. It’s especially hard to let go of it at Christmas.
Perhaps it’s in the reflections of memories, or the madness surrounding us of unimportant things, that sends us to the garden where a spot of sunlight falls through the trees, a little squirrel forages and a crow speaks loudly from the wire that we can find a sense of home. A tethering to what is most important.
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill I could see the city light Wind was blowing, time stood still Eagle flew out of the night He was something to observe Came in close, I heard a voice Standing, stretching every nerve I had to listen, had no choice I did not believe the information Just had to trust imagination My heart going "Boom-boom-boom" "Son, " he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home" Hey, back home.. - Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
Sitting alone on my daughter’s patio, while my littlest grandchild slept peacefully this past week, I was multi-tasking. Suddenly a cold took over my body and I moved to the patch of sunlight on a trampoline. Sandy, the squirrel stopped by, the crow squawked, the sunlight took over my senses and all was beautiful in the world. I just had to trust my imagination. I had to believe and bring my heart back to the One that is most important. I needed a long conversation with Him. Draw me near to the center of the universe and why I am here.
Watched by empty silhouettes Who close their eyes but still can see No one taught them etiquette I will show another me
Life is not about terrorizing defensive driving or my 88 year old mum’s phone ringing incessantly, for the last few months begging her to change her mind about medicare plans (average 20 a day). Plans she has no eyes for with nap plans derailed (because turning one’s phone on and off all day is not doable if a friend or grandchild calls her). Life is not about not having health “care” or completely unaffordable healthcare. Life is not about deeper and deeper deals at the grocer, where the old can’t shop anymore without a degree in apps and deals. Life is not about not seeing the little old lady in front of you, or small gentleman whose grocer bags are packed so heavy they can’t lift them. Life is not about letting them walk to their car alone. Life is not about letting the elderly be alone! Life is not about every thing and everyone being disposable and left to rot. Life is not about the exterior self or watching 24/7 reels of influencers influencing you into no man’s land. Life is not about being lonely or depressed, controlling or controlled, or multitasking your way into oblivion for one day a year causing everyone around you to back away.
Life is about life. A life given over for life. Jesus. For truth and good decisions. Squirrels, crows, sunlight on your face, leaves, rain, snow under your feet and eagles soaring. Life is taking the time to “just be.” (I know I said that in my last post, but worth repeating )
Life is about closing your eyes, wherever you are, and finding a piece of home in your heart, even in the midst of hard. It’s pushing through, discovering you and being you. The you Jesus died for. The best you. Because life is a gift. A given we take for granted.
For me, it’s about authenticity, creativity and kindness. I admit, I’ve been caught up in all the blindness of the most important birthday the earth will ever know.
It’s about love.
It’s about boom-boom-boom.
Today I don't need a replacement I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant My heart going "Boom-boom-boom" "Hey, " I said "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
This one’s for you
oxox
John 3:16
Life displayed here beautifully- what it is and what it need not be ❤️
Beautiful ✍🏻❤️🙏