Peace and Balance

My family knows how I long for the spirit of Christmas.   I cherish time with my family, and I will sit on the hearth in front of a roaring fire, nursing a cup of Earl Grey, until my back is red hot.   I don't enjoy shopping, but I do enjoy the lights, music, warmth, and sentimentality of the season.  This past Saturday, when much of the east coast awoke to a blanket of beautiful snow, we awoke to rain and green grass.  I wished for snow.

So, Frank and I drove west, out of our city and into the farmland covered with snow....past silos and wooly cows dotting the countryside, and lighted reindeer grazing in front of tiny farm houses.  It was beautiful, and magical, and serene.

As we drove beneath the gray skies and through the snow-covered countryside, I found myself wondering about the people in the houses.  I wondered whether they were enjoying a family meal, or whether they were old and longing for a visit from someone, anyone...whether they still worked their family land, or whether they drove into the city each day to work...whether this Christmas promised contentment or heartache. 

While I enjoyed the scene, I also found myself searching for balance.  The balance between Jingle Bells and O Holy Night, between wishes for myself and wishes for the world, between between serenity and loneliness.  The search continues.  This search requires honesty, introspection, and quiet time, in the midst of the music and holiday sale signs.  But balance is itself a gift which allows me to accept and enjoy whatever the season brings. 

While some of my friends anxiously await the homecoming of loved ones, many people in my small circle are struggling this year, with loss, worry, and pain.  I pray that each of you will seek and find balance.  Detach from the expectations of Christmas, and allow God's gentle arms to enfold you, and love to seep into your soul, until you find enough peace to carry you through. 

In the Spirit of Christmas,
Peace and Balance,
Love,
Jane