I MADE THE DEADLINE for Christmas cards from Shutterfly to receive them by Christmas AND received extra discounts!
I believe I’ll get my cards out . . . soon. There are bins in the basement filled with decorations I haven’t opened. And I will be working a whole week right up to the holiday.
I’ve stayed away from church services the last two Sundays, not feeling well. Meds help, but they can only do so much. And my birthday is upon me—Saturday! Sigh.
Where I live, it’s been hot, cold, rainy, stormy, windy, miserable, and depressing. And the everyday news items! My ears can’t take much more. I wake early every day, attempting to learn the intricacies of a new job because I love my work team and don’t wish to let anyone down. In a conversation with one of my daughters yesterday, I discovered that I am not alone in angst at the holidays. This place we call Earth is filled with opportunities for being afraid, sad, upset, and, well, YOU know. If you’re reading this, you’re human too.
At four this morning, a tender voice was calling. Today, I listened.
So I sauntered barefooted down the hallway toward what my wife calls “Your usual place,” my desk and computer. I hate to be predictable!
As I sat before the formerly blank page on my screen, it occurred that there was a time when all I had was a blank. In some ways, it’s exhausting to recall my life events. I don’t want to look at some of them. But others are such sweet memories. I wish I could enter that place and relive it.
I saw a messenger note on my phone from one of my dearest friends ever; it’s been far too long since I’ve seen him. He was wondering why I texted him one word—“Let.” I’ve no idea! LOL.
We abbreviate when we’re too lazy to give details. Or maybe we don’t wish to reveal our emotions. Or, we just don’t feel well. I wanted to text back, “Life is complicated.” But who doesn’t know that?
So, I listened to the gentle voice and decided to “Let.”
That’s how it ALL began, isn’t it? There was nothing but a blank. Darkness. “And God said, “LET.” I glanced back at the beautiful multi-colored lights on the Christmas tree.
When life began for me, there was nothing. But along the way, I collected bold and beautiful colors. People. Events. It started with a couple in love. I was born from that magic on December 24. The season of lights!
For every dark moment I have encountered, there has been a friend turning on their light while mine wasn’t working. For every dunderheaded thing I have ever done or said, a path so well-lighted that even I couldn’t miss it appeared. For every mean person I’ve encountered, there has been an advocate who stood for me. And their light was more powerful than the dark.
The light continues, always warm and comforting.
This Christmas, I celebrate every vibrant light in my life, past and present. If you are reading this, know that you are part of my family. It is you who make my life ever more beautiful as time unfolds. You’ve brightened my world more than you know. You are priceless. Please never stop living life to the full by being what you are—a light. And I celebrate the One who started it all. THE Light. The best friend anyone could have.
Merry Christmas, my friends. May all your days be merry and _________!
Copyright 2022, Gary Landerfelt, MyuPericope.com
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