Christmas 2024
What a year! The agents of chaos ruled. The world saw awful expressions of the depths of man’s inhumanity to man and women and children.
Yet despite that the universe unfolded as it will and in the little corner of this small portion of the world things unfolded as they will.
We love and revel in the joy of travel and this year there were two major events.
First children and I went on a cruise starting in Hong Kong and ending in Singapore. Between, there was Vietnam and Thailand. As the history and culture of each new place was explored and explained I watched the wonder and excitement blossom on my children’s faces. They boasted that they had their own personal guide in their mom who were retracing and remembering former voyages to those places.
Yet for me it was not a ‘been there, done that’ but more rediscovering and wondering at how much the world, and places, and opinions, cultures and people change and grow. There was so much newness it took a lot of thought to assimilate and ponder the way things do change.
Next was the family reunion n Sweden. The best way to describe that was a time of love and togetherness as a family that has grown and flourished. There was such warmth it glowed. My time in Oland was a restorative. Lazy days, games at dusk, walks by the sea, embraced by new friends, laughter and amazing food.
I celebrated a major milestone birthday. My expressed sentiment was that I would let go of past regrets the ‘what if’ and ‘if only’ and live in the ‘what is.’ I have succeeded in some ways but I still have to let go of the busyness that sometimes is overwhelming. I have to practice saying ‘no’.
Now it’s Christmastime again and for this year I offer these words as we light the Advent candles of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy:
Every time a hand reaches out to help another…that is Christmas.
Every time someone puts conflict aside and strives for understanding…that is Christmas.
Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other…
That is Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.