Today is my day off and I have decided to sit and recollect my thoughts a bit.
I can look back and say that we had a wonderful summer. I enjoyed some traveling, visited with family and our store kept very busy. Then came Fall.
We hosted a huge, successful Fall Retreat, I was away for a scrapbooking weekend with my BFF, I visited my family twice, celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary, attended a couple of courses for work, became part of a new challenge blog and enjoyed our Canadian and American Thanksgivings. It was an extremely good but busy time and seems to have come and gone with barely a walk through the leaves or a cup of warm apple cider to relax and remember it by.
Now it is December 1st, we had an actual snowfall last night and Christmas is on it's way. I am not looking forward to the busy season ahead, but I have promised myself that I will try to enjoy each and every day as we prepare for this blessed holiday. I actually envy people who say that this is their favorite time of year; I have come to dread the decorating, the pressures of gift buying, trying to coordinate schedules with family for a time to get together, the thought of traveling in bad weather and even Christmas baking. I just find it way too busy and stressful and then it is gone before you know it.
To help me have a more positive outlook on the upcoming Christmas season, I have started listening to Christmas music, I am slowly putting up the decorations and I am planning a Christmas Tea with my sisters and nieces. Life is good, very good. But I need to somehow slow down and smell the roses (or poinsettias!). I need to really focus on what Christmas is all about.I hope and pray that as each day passes and we come closer to December 25th, I will be one step closer to the manger where Jesus was born and to appreciating the precious gift that He is to us. Let's keep each other in prayer as we journey towards Bethlehem these next few weeks. I for one don't want to miss out on the beauty and graces of this special season.
Have a blessed day.
Joanne, you couldn't have said it better. I'll join you in trying to enjoy the season and maybe slow down to appreciate all that it has to offer. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful Joanne and well said. If you figure out how to do this, can you please send me an email and share the secret.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you as well, Joanne! Thought you might also like this blog http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/12/what-advent-is-really-all-about.html
ReplyDeleteBlessings and grace, my friend!
Christine
as i walk out and try to complete my christmas shopping, its sad to see how commercialized this precious season has become...I would much rather be at home, enjoying the peace and tranquility I have and enjoy a few quiet moments in prayer, appreciating all that i have, knowing, without Jesus, none would have been possible....blessings to you friend..
ReplyDeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteI love going to your blog - as I told you in September - because you inspire me. Once again your message has hit home and I too will try to slow down and really absorb what this "holiday" is all about. For me the gifts and decorations are secondary to the fact that I get to spend this very special time with my family (my WHOLE family this year) and that we are all healthy and happy and enjoy being together. Again thank you Joanne and I wish you all the best this season.
All I feel all warm and fuzzy now! Thanks! D
ReplyDeleteI am speechless...(go figure)...you said it so well, thanks friend!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family this Christmas as you celebrate JESUS!!