It’s Christmas Eve and most of us are frantically trying to complete our preparations for the big day tomorrow. We are scrounging in stores with bare shelves hoping to find that last perfect gift for Uncle Joe, or Aunt Betty. Dashing around the grocery stores looking for cranberry sauce, yes the kind that comes in the can and jiggles like Jell-O. All the things we think we must have for the Christmas to be perfect this year. All I can say is “STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!”
One of my mother’s favorite expressions was her reply to the often asked question “so are you ready for Christmas?” She would look the person in the eye and reply “ready or not Christmas will still happen.” Now this was a woman raising eight children while working full time at a physically demanding job yet in that simple reply she spoke volumes of truth.
If we think about it literally of course she was correct there is nothing we can do or not do that will prevent tomorrow from happening. It does not matter if the sweater you bought for someone is too small, too large, or the wrong color. It does not matter if the sweet potato pie is burned. All that truly matters is that we take a small moment to stop and appreciate and express gratitude for the ending of another year. Look back on the good things over the past year. Try not to dwell on any perceived difficulties in the past months. Take only the good things into the New Year and leave as much baggage as you can in 2010.
As for me I will find the time tonight to step outside and simply listen to the stillness that surrounds me. Look up into the night sky and offer a thank you to the universe for the gifts of the past year. The gift received of good friends, good times, my job, my warm home, my health, and perhaps most importantly the gift of unanswered prayers.
So am I ready for Christmas? You bet I am but ready or not Christmas is here. Thanks Mom for the gift of life..
Merry Christmas and remember to live, love and laugh.
dmr 12/24/2010
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