Another holiday season has come and gone. I confess, Christmas wasn't full of its usual sparkle and bedazzled magic during the build-up. I tried mightily to embrace the true meaning of Christmas which generally lends to my enjoyment of the whole crazy time while that worked, there seemed to be a quiet sadness hanging in the balance. I didn't stress much over the shopping or any of that and enjoyed the bits I accomplished but the shine was missing for me, even in the warm glow of my tree (which I love more than any other Yuletide tradition). Having said that, I spent some good quality time with factions of my big family and close friends. I spent time reflecting, pondering, appreciating and shrugging off the last dustings of residual regret I was holding on to. I also watched one of my sweet friends lose her father this Christmas, his most favorite time of year, that was hard but inspiring. It pained me know she was losing one of the people she loved most in the whole world at a time that was always full of festive family fun. She did it all with bravery and grace, they all did and their strength is immeasurable, something easily inherited from a man build of goodness from the ground up. Mr Churchill's heart may have failed him in the end but its essence lives on in his amazing children, those he made, flesh and bone, gifts to this world.
Don't misunderstand, my Christmas was lovely. Quiet and contemplative but lovely. Some of the magic crept in a little as the faces of my loved ones entered my door. This years blessings were bountiful and tender and made me mindful once again that time is fleeting and precious and worth fighting for.
For Michelle's Dad and my friends whose loved ones passed on this year:
Candles In Heaven
they all survive here
nourished w/ fresh water
accepted assignment as angels
swathed in subtle surprise
in a heavenly home
they all survive here
a renewed intimacy w/ nature
fingers full of wild berries
face friends with the settling sun
in the habit of living freely
they all survive here
as celebrated light
candles in heaven
vast and clear
adoring His strength
psalm
hymn
prayer
they all thrive here
**
Be grateful.
In propinquity,
Nic
**
Be grateful.
In propinquity,
Nic
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