would not be lost to me.
I’ve been pondering something lately. As the end of the year approaches quickly, I’ve been finding myself uninspired, feeling “behind” everyone else and their tightly wrapped 2024 recaps. The older I get, the more I fear losing that childlike wonder that’s always felt so familiar this time of year. The one that faithfully returns to me like an old friend at the door. Each year brings more and more distractions, more “hurry” and less time for the joy and fun I remember so well. Josh Groban’s “Believe” nearly brings me to tears every year as I listen to the lyrics.
This year has taught me a great deal about accepting seasons of life as they come. Instead of latching onto any one season, we are met with an ever-changing sequence of high and low tides. In between the good and the bad, there’s a whole lot of messiness. A whole lot of believing and trusting that there’s more “good” around the corner. The real tragedy happens when we stop noticing the everyday magic around us.
I fear that we spend so much time in anticipation of this season, that the actual holiday gets lost somewhere along the way. There is much preparation and pressure to check off a mental list of movies watched, presents wrapped, and cookies decorated. I will echo Eleanor in my encouragement that you sit in the dark and enjoy the glow of your tree. Take a walk after dark and notice the candles in windows down the street. Come January, those decorations will be tucked back in their boxes, and the post-holiday sadness might creep in. If you’re having a tough
season, I hope you may take courage and believe that there is goodness ahead. The “light” doesn’t end when we put the Christmas lights back in their boxes.
by Madelyn Fry
1 comment
Oh my how lovely this reminder is. Seeing good in the messiness of life is a good reminder. And I’m always hopeful for the excitement around the corner :)