12/25/21
Beautiful day to you! I hope you have somethings to (genuinely) smile about today!
Not sure which holiday you may be celebrating at this time of year, if any. If you’ve read any part of this blog you’ve probably figured out I’m (a very grateful to be) Christian, and I honor others’ religious beliefs. I pray (literally) that whoever reads this is at peace today and has a faith that grows and sustains you lovingly,
Like many others, I’ve struggled with holidays, this year perhaps a bit more than some others. My faith reminds me, persistent joy is not guaranteed, but because of faith in my savior, Jesus Christ, I know better days are imminent. I have hope that next Christmas will be what I imagined this one to be like.
Perhaps that’s part of the problem, though. There’s an image of what I thought this day had to be like in order to revel in it, yet maybe the world doesn’t need to align with my specifications in order to be enjoyed. Maybe it’s time to relinquish control of what ‘should’ be and open my heart and mind to what is, all the amazing beauty and love that already exists in my realm.
I may not have the complete healing of mind, heart and spirit I’d hoped to have attained by now, nor the man God has for me yet, or a family of heart to be surrounded by (they have their own plans!). I had expected to spend today with my unvaccinated sister but that was cancelled due to having been exposed to covid a couple days ago, when I had a laughter-filled lunch with a well loved friend. (The memory makes me smile. Thank you Sheila, my ‘English Mum’. I hope you’re healthy!)
I got to spend yesterday and this morning at the humane society cleaning cages, loving on animals, and spending (socially distanced) time with (vaccinated) good people. Have also been able to perform random acts of kindness – they can vastly improve a day if there’s hope that they perked up someone else’s moment. (Especially love to perform the acts anonymously if possible, so the recipient can’t think there are ‘strings attached’ or an expectation on the giver’s part that it has to be reciprocated.)
And there’s a deepening appreciation of what happened in a manger over 2000 years ago. So very grateful Jesus was born, chose to come to earth to redeem us, give us hope, show us what unconditional love is. My personal relationship with Jesus/God hasn’t always been all tickles and giggles, and I know He loves me anyway. (Just like He loves you, too, of course!) I wouldn’t be here and would not have the hope, faith and courage to live, let alone be and stay on the path I have chosen, without Him. Because of My Higher Power I have survived hell and am learning what my (and your) true intrinsic value is (and has always been), as well as what love is and how to receive and give it.
I can celebrate today, after all! Just took a different perspective. I hope you find a reason to honor this day and/or your Higher Power and/or your life, too.
Happy Birthday, Jesus. Thank You for all You do.
Amen!
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nakah,
