After church yesterday, we met and talked about making the season surrounding Christmas as joyful as possible by choosing to focus on the things that are most important to us and setting aside the things that are distractions or burdens.
Many of us named mini-disciplines -- things we took upon ourselves or things we cast off -- that would help keep us joyful and focused in the last days of Advent and into Christmastide.
So how is everyone doing?
I said I would stop trying to add things to my already-whirlwind trip back east, and... I successfully didn't make plans with one of my cousins, although it's hard. Part of me really does want to see everyone, even though I know that logically I can't, and that I want to be able to enjoy leisure and rest with the people I am going to see.
How about the rest of you?
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With the Blizzard Storm and being trapped at home was great because I got to get a list of things done, caught up on reading and relaxed, watching T.V.
ReplyDeleteI was sad that church services were chanceled but going to Shalom House feeding the homeless reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas.
I didn't have to drive there but was blessing with a family with a 4 wheel drive, truck.
I had to shovel two days which tested my arm. Yes, it is healing nice and the OT (therapy) is helping.
As I talk to my family in Florida I am reminded of how many people in my life have passed away from cancer or old age. That's sad and depressing. Then of course I hear from my son, David, and his life. His life is just begining. He's still young.I'm happy and excited for him and I love my daughter in law.
As the holiday winds down its time to reflect where I've been, where I'm at and where I'm going. And all the people I have encounted and will meet.
Being home I went through things to simplify and rethink my priorities. Sometimes I get busy with doing things that aren't really important and waste my time. I thought it was important but is not.So this year I need to stop and reflect more and look where I am at and what I'm doing. It doesn't have to be a holiday thing. Important things come first. What truely is important.
Tomorrow I go back to work. For now I'm enjoying a great football game (no, not the Chief's).
Hope you had a nice trip and am rested.
Vicki
Well, I had a very quiet Christmas Day. I spent it in with my four four legged kids. I never had a empty lap the entire day. Yes, even Willow joined in on sitting on mom's lap. I finally got out On Saturday morning to go to the store for food. However, I would not suggest waiting until Christmas Eve to do that. Every mother and father were out getting the kids toys. I got a little panicing goint on, but all in all, it was an experience I will remember when I delievered to the home. The mother was gratiful.
ReplyDeleteChristmas was today Monday, 12/28 with Mom and Sis. Was very nice and good to remember Christmas past. The commerical that has two men going through the trash this year, reminded me of our family of gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa Hadl's. Never failed a small part was losted in the paper wrappings and thrown away. It was never the same child that lost the part. I blame it on the parents though. They should have known better, but what can you do, they're parents.
It was for me a good Christmas, even with the snow, snow, snow and more snow. It was what I was dreaming of, a "White Chritmas." :) Pure and Clean snow. Cold, clean, white snow. Okay, it was pretty for the first few hours.
This evening, Monday, I am not feeling well, and am trying to not well, you know. Up chuck. At least, if I get sick, I don't have to worry about missing work. Vacation until 1/4/10.
Trudy
Well I have found joy in even the smallest of things since we saw each other last. Last Monday a flock of geese flew over me and it was so beautiful I stood in the parking lot of WalMart with big tears in my eyes because my heart was so full of joy. (you all know that it isn't hard for me to be brought to tears- but this felt over the top) I had to make a conscious decision that while I would work hard at finding joy... I would better manage the energy that came at me because I couldn't walk around crying over every beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteWe spent days "trapped" in the house together and each time I was confronted by arguments between the kids I would separate them and choose joy. It was a beautiful thing.
This was the task I set up for myself.. to find joy and it makes such a difference in not only my world but in our family world...
peace and JOY my friends
我的老天爺~內容真是太棒了.................................................................
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