It is quiet in the house. As I sit here enjoying, I sip my chia tea and savor the cinnamon roll my dad gave me in response to my exclamation I was longing for one like Mom used to make. Sounds of the Season has changed into the Solid Gold Oldies. The tunes make me swing and dance as I remember the words from my days as little and helping my family cleaning the house every Saturday. I liked dusting because I could redecorate as I went through the house.
With every object or piece of furniture, there are memories. I sit here in the middle of my house and am pressed with the stuff around me. Bubble wrap, curly ribbon, empty envelopes, sacks of new things, and baby-dolls my daughter took the in-laws are all mark the giving that precedes this day. They are remains of giving and celebration. Happy. Fulfilled.
My mind wonders to Mary. Exhausted. She probably looked upon her pink faced bundle knowing the he was something special. The morning after his birth, she was surrounded with physical and energetic gifts to reflect the gift he is to become. She is grateful. Yet, the overwhelming, the questioning, the complicated feelings of new mother must fall heavy in her heart. What next?
I am absolutely positivity that my overwhelmed feeling of what to do with all this new stuff pales in comparison to Mary's. I am graciously empathetic. I hold tight, to the quiet after the storm of joy and giving. I fold these memories of joyful community in a box I will store I my heart. I can visit the box at will.
I will start today by picking up the remains of the past two days with joy and rememberance. My friends vary in their following the belief of Jesus as the Son of God being born during the Winter Solstice. However, it is this time of year that the folks all over the world have celebrations of community and giving. Whatever your faith path, I hope you take in the goodness of this time. Be joyful of the gifts you receive and thankful for the gifts you have given others. Smile at yourself as you go through the celebration season hangover. Fill up your little box, wrap it in color and light. Hold it in your heart as a gift to be opened whenever you feel the dark. Namasta.
