Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Christmas Tidings

“I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.” -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The decorating is finished. The gifts are wrapped. The cookies are in the freezer. The cards are delivered. The menu is finalized.  The doors are open.

One of my greatest delights is making our home a magical place all year long, but especially at Christmas. And sharing that merriment with others.

Creating memories anew. What fun crafting with sweet neighbor, Amelia.

While enjoying the strains of my Christmas playlists, I’m transported back. Precious old memories. You feel it too. Nostalgia evokes a bittersweet mix of emotions—both warmth and longing.

Baking mom’s nut horns. Her labor of love that I took too much for granted is now my labor of love.

Working on a craft, I pulled out my Button Bag. A memory surfaced that I had totally forgotten. When mom was bedridden with cancer, we tried finding little jobs to help her feel productive. Enter Amazon and 600 colorful buttons. Mom gladly sorted my buttons for hours.

It has been four years since I pulled out those colored buttons. Tears spilled out at the unexpected touch and remembrance. 

As I work hard to create magical memories for our grands, other memories of long ago flood my heart. The yesteryear of our children that can’t be relived, only dimly remembered.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to keep the seasons of life in perspective. Anyone else feel that ache?

Past is gone.
Present isn’t always magical; in fact, it is often filled with troubling fear.
And Future, uncertain.

Then on cue, the bells ring out from our Echo stereo, Joy to the World the Lord Has Come.

I’m not sure how Silent that Night was, but it was most definitely a Holy Night. The birth of Jesus makes all the difference!

He came and died and lives. Our Deliverer and Savior. The best news we will ever hear.

Jesus rescues my seasons with awe and wonder. The baby in the manger walks alongside me today, steadying my emotions.

As Tiny Tim said in the closing line of the beloved story, “God bless us everyone.”

A thoughtful Merry Christmas,
Margi

Postscript: For those who are walking in fresh or long grief, my heart is with you. The days are especially hard at this time of year. As always, our invitation is open. Would love to hear from you.