Ok! So it is now the 31st of January and at 10pm I can finally say I have all my Christmas decorations down! Never in my life have I let this task go undone this long past the holidays. This year was different for me. My girls put the trees up and decorated them and they were so awesome, I just hated to dismantle them.
On top of that, my 19 month old grandson, Donovan, was so awed by the tree, he would nearly quiver when he looked at it, and trust me, look at it, he did! Many times over! He would so fondly view the items within his reach and sight range and just simply stare at some of them. The tiny Christmas balls in shades of neutral browns from Pier One seemed to be his favorites. Blown glass and decorated with glitter, they fit perfectly in his tiny little hands. He would gently pick them up, roll them around and carry them double-fisted from room to room. In all, we only had one misshap and I thought it was going to undo him; however, we assured him it was okay, and it was just as quickly cleaned up and forgotten.
Funny how things change. Broken balls, cracked keepsakes used to be enough to send me over the edge. Now it is just what it is-a broken something, cleaned up and replaced when necessary.
I was thinking about all these things today as I sorted and wrapped and packed for next year. How we as women, inherit the tasks of decorations and trees and Christmas stockings and wreaths and all the paraphernalia that surrounds that magical time of year. It seems to be "our" work to make all these things appear and then evenly disappear. In my household, at least, the men disappear to do "manly things" whilest I am left with the umpteen plastic bins! I wondered to myself why it is this way, rolling all sorts of ideas around in my head, analyzing the masqueline and the feminine of it all.
After about an hour of this nonsense (yes I said nonsense!) IT dawned on me that two reasons may very well propel us to this task on each year:
First, it is what we are taught as little girls and later as young women, helping to dress and undress the tree. A certain method to the madness. You know the one-tree first, then lights, then garlands, then pearls. The larger balls, then the smaller ones and last but not least, the sundry other items we save as keepsakes from year to year. Somehow, in this ritual, as we learn it, we also learn about our forebearers-the Moms and Grandmoms who have undertaken this task from year to year and then passed it on.
Second and I believe even more important, we as women do this because we long to savor the looks on our grandson's face when he is amazed by the glitter, the sounds of the Holidays, the smells, yes the presents! We long to have that because it not only makes us feel young again, we are also being useful. We are creating, just as our Moms did, a legend, a history, a path on a highway for our young ones and in doing so, we are keeping those who we have lost, alive. It gives greater meaning to know that our hearts and hands are touching the past as well as the future and we are doing it in none other than the Present or Presence of He who it is all about.
As I thought about this, a calmness took over and the once looming task became such a little nuisance--one I am more than sure I will repeat for many years to come.
Thank you Jesus-for the opportunity to be of service and do it in Love.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hats Off for the Graduate!
Jan 11, 2008
Graduation was on the schedule today for my niece, Brienna. She has successfully completed 4 years of college as a full-time student, working at one point or another, full-time and/or part-time to subsidize the cost of this education, and caring for various members of her family during that period of time as well. She is an amazing young woman with a drive enviable by any person who dreams big dreams. Her goal setting is just out of her reach, always causing her to strive a little harder and as she realizes the prize, she sets the goal a little higher. You could call her my "mentor" in many ways. I long to have the strength, the foresight, the confidence this young gal has.
I look at all the obstacles she has overcome in her short 23 years and realize they are the very thing that has given her this character! We have, in our own narrow-minded ways, pitied her here and there for different things she was experiencing, and looking back now, I realize, perhaps we should have been rejoicing, for none of us could see what was being produced by this "firing and testing" process.
She still had years ahead of her of studying. Her goal is to be a lawyer someday, and she is well on her way.
Lovely to look at, but even more lovely to be around. Her beauty eminates from within and simply spreads to all those she comes into contact with. Her wit, her talents, her wisdom...human though she be, are above reproach.
Brienna, Honey. I am so proud. I know, too, your Mama is equally proud and watching from just beyond that scrim that separates us from those departed. She sees and protects...she knows and guides and, I believe she smiles and continues to love!
Best wishes in all your endeavors, all your successes and even more so in all your "re-dos", for I don't believe there are failures, there are just those opportunities to repeat the class and do it again, in a more efficient way.
Graduation was on the schedule today for my niece, Brienna. She has successfully completed 4 years of college as a full-time student, working at one point or another, full-time and/or part-time to subsidize the cost of this education, and caring for various members of her family during that period of time as well. She is an amazing young woman with a drive enviable by any person who dreams big dreams. Her goal setting is just out of her reach, always causing her to strive a little harder and as she realizes the prize, she sets the goal a little higher. You could call her my "mentor" in many ways. I long to have the strength, the foresight, the confidence this young gal has.
I look at all the obstacles she has overcome in her short 23 years and realize they are the very thing that has given her this character! We have, in our own narrow-minded ways, pitied her here and there for different things she was experiencing, and looking back now, I realize, perhaps we should have been rejoicing, for none of us could see what was being produced by this "firing and testing" process.
She still had years ahead of her of studying. Her goal is to be a lawyer someday, and she is well on her way.
Lovely to look at, but even more lovely to be around. Her beauty eminates from within and simply spreads to all those she comes into contact with. Her wit, her talents, her wisdom...human though she be, are above reproach.
Brienna, Honey. I am so proud. I know, too, your Mama is equally proud and watching from just beyond that scrim that separates us from those departed. She sees and protects...she knows and guides and, I believe she smiles and continues to love!
Best wishes in all your endeavors, all your successes and even more so in all your "re-dos", for I don't believe there are failures, there are just those opportunities to repeat the class and do it again, in a more efficient way.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
MIA: Snow
Saturday, Jan 10, 2008. We all waited today for the overly advertised "snow storm" which forewarned of 6-9 inches of snow. Of course, the weather-fright trek to the grocery store, fighting the masses all buying the same things: milk, eggs, bread, T.P. (that is a good one). With snow removal such as it is these days, why we rush to buy these staples when we know within a day, everyone is back to work and/or moving about. The toilet paper has always been a nuance for me! Why Toilet Paper? I mean, do most people only keep one roll on their spinner and no reserves? I can't imagine!
At any rate, I did go to the store today, picked up a prescription for Seth, some cupcakes, some lunchmeat, some popcorn--you know all those "I am stuck in the house foods" that please and comfort. I didn't, however, get the necessary 4: milk, eggs, bread, T.P. It looked a little like Christmas Eve with all the cars in the parking lot. Inside the store, I kept thinking it better snow, because these shelves are nearly bare. The store will be forced to close anyway-may as well put down the white stuff!
Here it is: 5:30pm. Guess what! No snow. Nope, not one flake. We have had a drizzle of rain, which I suspect may freeze, however, not one snowflake. Guess they called it wrong again. Oh well. The local grocer is happy! His coffers have bee filled!
Happy COLD Snowy Day
At any rate, I did go to the store today, picked up a prescription for Seth, some cupcakes, some lunchmeat, some popcorn--you know all those "I am stuck in the house foods" that please and comfort. I didn't, however, get the necessary 4: milk, eggs, bread, T.P. It looked a little like Christmas Eve with all the cars in the parking lot. Inside the store, I kept thinking it better snow, because these shelves are nearly bare. The store will be forced to close anyway-may as well put down the white stuff!
Here it is: 5:30pm. Guess what! No snow. Nope, not one flake. We have had a drizzle of rain, which I suspect may freeze, however, not one snowflake. Guess they called it wrong again. Oh well. The local grocer is happy! His coffers have bee filled!
Happy COLD Snowy Day
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
"Write-Tribe-Mirror" Three Words to Guide 2009.
A new challenge to begin my New Year! Chris Brogan explains the concept of selecting single words to help guide you in making decisions throughout the year versus using the standard "resolution" process which is easily forgotten or discarded.
I started to think about this and came up with these three words: "write", "tribe", "mirror".
What can these possibly have in common or what significance do they have in my decision-making process?
"Write" I have longed to write since I can remember. As a young teenager, I would start paragraph after paragraph, however it never went anywhere. Pages were left half-filled and I would begin anew, as though I just could not find the correct words to continue. If I use the word 'write' as a guideline, I will: write down things I need to remember such as witty remarks, noteworthy ideas, snippets of tales that can be enlarged on. I will write down those verses that stop me in my tracks and move me to tears or at least in a different direction. I will learn that as I write, I will be reading more, absorbing more and thereby enlarging my thought process-so I will write, more and hopefully, with more clarity. (I am also hoping if I write the things down I spend money on, I will be appalled and spend less!!)
"Tribe" My tribe is my family and my family's family, my church family, my work family, my social circle, and, well you get the idea. I am a small part of the whole. I will feel less isolated if I begin to learn about my tribe. I will feel more significant if I can understand where I've come from and to what I belong. I will begin to see my part in the tapestry that has been under construction for generations to reach the point where my part shines. My tribe will broaden me, inspire me (maybe even to write!), teach me. My tribe is the total of which I am but one figure. My tribe will teach me more about relationships and how they should operate; what works and what doesn't; when some must be laid down and others revived. My tribe is my springboard to what is yet to come.
"Mirror" Interestingly, I detest mirrors. In fact, within the house I am now residing, you will find a total of 4 mirrors: one in each bathroom (because that is how the house was built!) and one on the back of my bedroom door which is covered by a host of robes, pjs, gowns, etc., so it is not even visable! My master bedroom dresser is mirror-less at my insistance. I am guilty of looking into the mirror every morning, only to be sure I am at least somewhat presentable to arrive at work! Other than that, during the day, you get whatever the wind has chosen to do with my hair, however the humidity has elected to redesign my makeup (scarce as it is!) or the static has opted to pull my clothing into somewhat hilarious contortions. Mirrors, however, are also a reflection. That is what I see as I gaze into one--my reflection or the reflection of anything else within its area. A reflection that reaches out, if we choose to accept it. That is the purpose of 'mirror'. Perhaps I can change a small part of the world if the 'reflection' I project is a more peaceable, kinder, gentler image; more forgiving in nature, accepting in cultural differences or personalities. In doing this, I would hope, I, myself would become the things my reflection is projecting. In that, I would change, however, better than that, the world around me would be changed. All of a sudden, my part to shine becomes a little more brilliant as I become a bit less noticeable!
SO! Write-Tribe-Mirror. My words to filter all that I choose to do, the paths I pick to travel and the people I aim to engage with.
I started to think about this and came up with these three words: "write", "tribe", "mirror".
What can these possibly have in common or what significance do they have in my decision-making process?
"Write" I have longed to write since I can remember. As a young teenager, I would start paragraph after paragraph, however it never went anywhere. Pages were left half-filled and I would begin anew, as though I just could not find the correct words to continue. If I use the word 'write' as a guideline, I will: write down things I need to remember such as witty remarks, noteworthy ideas, snippets of tales that can be enlarged on. I will write down those verses that stop me in my tracks and move me to tears or at least in a different direction. I will learn that as I write, I will be reading more, absorbing more and thereby enlarging my thought process-so I will write, more and hopefully, with more clarity. (I am also hoping if I write the things down I spend money on, I will be appalled and spend less!!)
"Tribe" My tribe is my family and my family's family, my church family, my work family, my social circle, and, well you get the idea. I am a small part of the whole. I will feel less isolated if I begin to learn about my tribe. I will feel more significant if I can understand where I've come from and to what I belong. I will begin to see my part in the tapestry that has been under construction for generations to reach the point where my part shines. My tribe will broaden me, inspire me (maybe even to write!), teach me. My tribe is the total of which I am but one figure. My tribe will teach me more about relationships and how they should operate; what works and what doesn't; when some must be laid down and others revived. My tribe is my springboard to what is yet to come.
"Mirror" Interestingly, I detest mirrors. In fact, within the house I am now residing, you will find a total of 4 mirrors: one in each bathroom (because that is how the house was built!) and one on the back of my bedroom door which is covered by a host of robes, pjs, gowns, etc., so it is not even visable! My master bedroom dresser is mirror-less at my insistance. I am guilty of looking into the mirror every morning, only to be sure I am at least somewhat presentable to arrive at work! Other than that, during the day, you get whatever the wind has chosen to do with my hair, however the humidity has elected to redesign my makeup (scarce as it is!) or the static has opted to pull my clothing into somewhat hilarious contortions. Mirrors, however, are also a reflection. That is what I see as I gaze into one--my reflection or the reflection of anything else within its area. A reflection that reaches out, if we choose to accept it. That is the purpose of 'mirror'. Perhaps I can change a small part of the world if the 'reflection' I project is a more peaceable, kinder, gentler image; more forgiving in nature, accepting in cultural differences or personalities. In doing this, I would hope, I, myself would become the things my reflection is projecting. In that, I would change, however, better than that, the world around me would be changed. All of a sudden, my part to shine becomes a little more brilliant as I become a bit less noticeable!
SO! Write-Tribe-Mirror. My words to filter all that I choose to do, the paths I pick to travel and the people I aim to engage with.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Present - Presence...
Monday, 01/05/09--first full week of the New Year and the office was in full swing. Meetings, people everywhere, work piling in to make up for the days of leisure the past two weeks. An exhausting day, yet gratifying in that most of what I do was completed by day's end. I must admit, I was looking forward to the 5 o'clock mark on the clock.
I travel I-83 north and south, daily to get to work. This procession of vehicles, moving as one body, each day, always amazes me. We don't know each other, yet there are license plates and vehicles we can each identify as we make the trek, almost like road markers to assure the traveler they are headed in the right direction. It stops me each day, to realize I am a small part of this larger motion, on the same Journey...
A lot like being a part of the group of Followers of Jesus. We are small as "one" , but as a part of the whole, we can become a mighty work for His cause of spreading the Word, the Love, the Forgiveness...
He only asks us to give Him our presence, while He on the other hand, graces us with the greatest Present-Salvation and Love.
Present vs Presence...something to think about.
I travel I-83 north and south, daily to get to work. This procession of vehicles, moving as one body, each day, always amazes me. We don't know each other, yet there are license plates and vehicles we can each identify as we make the trek, almost like road markers to assure the traveler they are headed in the right direction. It stops me each day, to realize I am a small part of this larger motion, on the same Journey...
A lot like being a part of the group of Followers of Jesus. We are small as "one" , but as a part of the whole, we can become a mighty work for His cause of spreading the Word, the Love, the Forgiveness...
He only asks us to give Him our presence, while He on the other hand, graces us with the greatest Present-Salvation and Love.
Present vs Presence...something to think about.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year-New Beginnings-Loose Ends
It is Jan 1, 2009. We spent New Year's Eve in Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD at a benefit ball for Caring Communities. It was a little odd, but something to do. Staying at the Marriott on Eutaw St, we were disappointed by the lack of hot water, however, the rest of the accomodations were very generous. The evening was cold and raw with high winds, so we took a taxi to our very close destination. Just too cold to walk. Leaving this morning, the streets were littered with the leftover celebratory modes from the night before. I noticed also, the only people truly moving on the streets were those who knew the streets best-the Homeless. I am troubled by these persons who either choose to live in the streets or are forced to because of whatever or whoever has led them to this lifestyle. My heart breaks as I watch them pull all they own and fight to protect it. Shattered lives-mindless motions...then I realize how very "rich" I am, with family, a warm bed every night, running water and food to keep me from hunger pangs. I am also extremely grateful for the health we enjoy and the occupations that keep us from the terror of the streets. God, please help those who choose this lifestyle. Help US in our blindness, to reach out and feed, clothe and mentor the World's lost. My only comfort in all this is I continue to believe YOU are in control. Protect, Guard and Guide them, for they are "we" at any point in our Journey, based on the decisions we make.
Let this year be a Year of Blessings to each of us!
Let this year be a Year of Blessings to each of us!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hazy days of Christmas
It is now the 26th of December. The wrapping paper is crumpled, the bows are stashed for next year and the tree sits lonely, looking lost, as though it is tired and ready to be put away. Funny how we expend so much time for the preparation of the magnificent Celebration, and then it is over.
Isn't much of life like this? Hurry, hurry to get to a place in our lives and then find we need to begin again. We arrive at our destination feeling as though there should be more and yet...
Celebration is the key, I am coming to find. If we could make celebration the theme of our lives, we would be in a constant state of preparation. It is where we thrive best--in the midst of prepartion. And if in the preparation, we could stay in tune to our inner Soul, we would find there, the greater sense of Presence. We would find we are communing as One with that Greater Source of Love and Power and Strength-God alone. In the midst of our busyness and our loneliness and our confusion, the One we are preparing for becomes evident. He is there, waiting to prepare with us, to celebrate with us, and ultimately to gift us with His Love and Presence.
So the reason for the season: Preparation, Celebration and Salvation. Amen!
Isn't much of life like this? Hurry, hurry to get to a place in our lives and then find we need to begin again. We arrive at our destination feeling as though there should be more and yet...
Celebration is the key, I am coming to find. If we could make celebration the theme of our lives, we would be in a constant state of preparation. It is where we thrive best--in the midst of prepartion. And if in the preparation, we could stay in tune to our inner Soul, we would find there, the greater sense of Presence. We would find we are communing as One with that Greater Source of Love and Power and Strength-God alone. In the midst of our busyness and our loneliness and our confusion, the One we are preparing for becomes evident. He is there, waiting to prepare with us, to celebrate with us, and ultimately to gift us with His Love and Presence.
So the reason for the season: Preparation, Celebration and Salvation. Amen!
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