Lessons from Christmas

From: MJS
To: CW

I don’t mind being awake in the night. I get some quality thinking time uninterrupted!

I re-learned something this Christmas. I watched my grandchildren through this season of anticipation and reward and feel for them and their parents. The anticipation built every day, aided and betted by TV ads and their friends and even their parents. They explored wrapped packages, feeling the contents, shaking them, and hoping. And then it all came to an abrupt end! They were surprised and pleased, or not surprised and not pleased. This one didn’t want a science kit, and that one has too many little plastic people already. Pick up sticks and felt pens did as well as bicycles. I remembered some of the gifts of my childhood, paint sets, dolls and stuffed animals, new pyjamas and little decks of playing cards I loved so much!

The day after Christmas is calmer, more orderly, and happier in man ways, boring, but not a roller coaster of desire and disappointment. What is really good about Christmas preparations is being distracted from the cold and dreary weather outside. It’s knowing that we’ve turned the corner so the days will surely grow longer and lighter now. It’s the decorative lights we need.

What we really need deep down is the reminder that God, however you call God, indeed the Whole Universe, loves each of us. The Universe loves ME, called me into existence just as I am, and holds me here. It has compassion for me. That’s why it’s important to focus on the meaning of the holiday, not on the gifts exchanged or new clothes or food and drinks. That sort of confidence makes one truly happy. Emotions are like fizz in a drink. That’s nice, but it’s not the drink.

This is something good about getting older! I am really happy with “my” new smoker, and new black tennis shoes for when I dress up! And I have already forgiven myself for everything I have eaten or will eat for the last ten days of December.
Hugs, MJS
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