Saturday, December 16, 2006

Dearest God,

Eight hours. Fifteen phone calls. It took eight hours and 15 phone calls (to my daughters with particular questions regarding my list) to purchase gifts for 26 people, each averaging two gifts apiece. I had my list by store. Each item was specific, a DVD, a game, soccer pads, Addidas thongs, jeans, a doll, a book or shirt; it read like Santa's list. I tackled each store, securing a clerk when I needed help. From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. I was practically the only one in the store, no waiting, no hassle, nothing. Walk in, select gift, pay and walk out. Just that easy.

It was a great day. Determined from the beginning to disallow any type of frenetical behavior, I smiled, greeting people with Christmas cheer, especially impatient people. I talked with clerks, wishing them "a blessed Christmas." In Target a shopper was having trouble figuring out a game, I asked if I could help. She did and so I did. "Anything else?" I asked. "Yes, where can I buy a checkbook cover for my mother?" She asked me. "Go to the bank; they're free!" We bid one another ado, then parted, wishing one another a Merry Christmas.

All throughout the day I was not stressed one time. I had a really good time, "checking my list and checking it twice." I made sure I was on Santa's "nice" list, not the naughty one. I did what I needed to do. No casualties except two broken fingernails and no snow. Even that was okay.
I ended the day in China (that's what I call it when I eat Chinese food) with my husband. Then we watched the "Christmas Story" together after I had organized all gifts by person.

I had a lot to do today; much to accomplish. My usual seasonal attitude is to feel pressure, pop when the lid was getting too close, and become overburdened with responsibilities. By this time of year I would have been finished shopping by two weeks and gifts would have already been wrapped AND I would have been grouchy, complaining that I would be glad when Christmas was over; but this year that was not possible. Why? Because my focus has been on uncluttering my life, letting God in, taking in the holiness of the season, listening to The Voice, and taking care. Trusting God for the work I needed to do was my guide.

What an experience of Christmas I am having! Emmanuel, like the sscripture goes, is with us. I am feeling it. I am allowing only the goodness of the Lord in. It is possible; it really is!

Holy God,
Marvel of Marvels,
you are the Source of all life.
You speak
and when we listen,
"all is calm,
all is bright."
I'm with you;
I'm living the "Silent Night, Holy Night,
and finding the peace
I long for.
Just nine days to go.
Nine more days with God.

Love you, Andrea