'Tis the Season



No matter how many times I tell myself it won't happen, it does. By early December I've savored three Thanksgiving dinners, celebrated my son's birthday, decorated my parents' house for Christmas and, Sunday night, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party at a fabulous restaurant - photographer and all. I have lost most all of my (prednisone) weight and I'm in good spirits but the auto-immune situation plants the brick wall in my path. And here I sit, more blessed than so many, yet... the shopping, decorating, unfinished art projects that I can't post and who wants to hear a lot of whining anyway?
This advent, Dr. Woody Berry, our Senior Pastor, is centering his messages around being still... listening, no, listening deeper. So, after spending an entire day without checking one item off my list, I silence the noise, the chatter and stories I tell myself whether or not I mean to*... and what is it that I hear?
The peace of knowing that I am loved, touched by life details of friends close by and in cyberspace. Like my beloved friend who finally came home so that his family and friends can care for him during this scary time of illness with vague diagnosis. Another who has found a hopeful alternative to poisonous post-cancer preventive treatment. And today, a post by a friend who survived a surely-fatal aneurysm. And I think about Patti Digh's words... "we are living in choice every single moment."
We may not be able choose our circumstances, cure an illness, live in the Martha Stewart Pottery Barn Christmas commercial, but we can decide our response. So, a bit like the wee pansy poking up through the snow, I can choose to show my color. There is much to be done but I can shine in a state of joyful gratitude for all that is, the wonders I have been graced with - deservedly or not - and the hope that underlines living in faith.

*Patti Digh is amazing. If you don't have her book, Creative is a Verb, I'd suggest it for any/everyone on your gift list, including yourself.

Comments

Brandon said…
Great post and thought-provoking words. Thank you for the encouragement and wisdom you've shared. Enjoy the holiday season and I guess we'll be sharing a meal again at the end of the month! Take care.
Poetic Artist said…
It seems you have been on the go.
It is nice to stop and listen to the quiet and remember all we have and your post is so true.
Is that snow from KY? I hope you continue with lots of joy thru the holidays.
Deb L. said…
Lovely post.... wishing you love and peace this holiday season and through the new year! Deb
Ragamuffin Gal said…
Fabulous ~ honest ~ and heartfelt post! I am going to reopen again Patty's book ~ love the quote! Thanks for being a beacon of light out here in our blog world! Wishing you many many blessings! <3
Caterina Giglio said…
ok, putting this book on my library list!! xo
Anonymous said…
Very powerful image :-)

Hope you're doing well!
~*~Patty S said…
beautiful and uplifting post dear Patti...the photo is just perfect too

Happy December Weekend to you and yours...sounds like a month of lovely celebrations for you
oxo
Debrina said…
God bless you Patti. A powerful, moving and heartfelt post. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. :-)
Susan Tuttle said…
you are full of wisdom and beautiful color!
Karin Bartimole said…
❤ simply and beautifully to the point, Patti. you remind us that blessings are always there for the listener, seeker, and quiet place within us. thank you ❤ xoxo

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