She stares at the gingerbread house. Just out of reach. Maybe if she smacks her hand on the table, the house will move. Nope. Will crying out to it have any effect? Nada. Sooooo frustrating. Just look at those delectable lollipops…crunchy graham crackers…luscious tootsie rolls…It’s just there…so beautiful but out of her grasp…
Someone should tell her to wait a month. In just one month, she’ll be cruising her way through the home. Everything on that tabletop will be within reach. She’ll move quickly enough that she can traverse the hallways, down the hidden bits of paper, and splash in the toilet before Mama notices. Books will be ingested; cupboards will be explored; dishes will be scattered. If that gingerbread house were constructed just a month hence, she could have demolished it.
The house will be gone. Yet she shouldn’t despair. Many other treats await her. And the toilet will still be there to flush.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
I think I’ve spent the last year perpetually 1-2 months behind. Forced to start school before all the planning was done. Still wrapping Christmas presents in January. Writing my New Year’s post in February.
What are those New Year’s Resolutions?
Hmmm. Smile at my children tomorrow morning. Remember to send a good-night text to my husband when I finish writing (he’s still at work). Aim to actually make my morning offering before I’m bombarded with noise and chores.
I despair. But why? If I could see all the things and moments and gifts that I will have received amidst the days of this next month, would I really stress over what I haven’t been able to accomplish and wrest from today?
My aims need to be simple. And profound. Cherish each friend who is still with me. Love the disobedient child. Relish the ice cream my husband bought me. Remember the Christmas manger. Cast my frustrations and heartaches at the cross. (Chuck them there. Really!) Pursue peace. Demand joy.
In the words of one Fra Giovanni…
“No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take heaven.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow;
behind it, yet within our reach is joy.
Take joy. “
Trust in His time. Again and again. Go to bed. Awake and seize His joy.
The End. 🙂
May this be the story of my year.
