Catching my breath

I've been putting off trying to write a blog just like I've been putting off getting ready for Christmas this year. It just seems that there's too much STUFF getting in the way of the spirit. I have no idea why, but it's starting to really bug me.

SOOOOOO-

I visited my 80 something Aunt today - her house is immaculate, she has Christmas in every room - she's like a kid - her eyes light up and she told me the history of so many of the ornaments on her tree - so many from people who are no longer with us. This snowflake, the beaded ornament, that glass ornament, the ones with the pictures of her grandchildren when they were wee 0nes as Beverly puts it, and the ones with the pictures of her great grandchildren. Her Santa and snowflake collections abound - her gorgeous Nativity set - handmade by a family member - is the center of it all. Christmas memories - priceless!!

I came home and got out some of my Christmas decorations. I finished the wreaths for the graves of loved ones. I'm finishing my Christmas cards, I'm ready to tackle all of the STUFF that is still to be done - BUT -

I also am remembering my own advice from my Christmas message to family and friends (something that I do on line each Christmas Eve after I come home from church and the house is quiet) last year. It went something like this -

So now, tonight, go outside and look UP - that's it - look UP. And Listen. Listen to the silence of that first Christmas night - look at the stars that were shining at that time and give yourself a GIFT - the greatest GIFT - of calm, of silence, of peace, of God's promise and Love. Peace and calm - Silent Night - Merry Christmas.

Linda Launhardt