The first snow

Last week we had our first snowfall.

 And so now it's official.  The season is here.

Advent has already begun.  Beautiful lights are strung up on houses and along streets.

Everyday I see cars driving by with Christmas trees strapped on top.

This weekend, in disbelief or denial, I even stopped to gawk at some Christmas carolers. 

Each year I find myself surprised by how forcefully this season begins and how swiftly and steadily it moves by.  I often feel like I am being swept along in its quick moving current.  I find I am continually having to remind myself to put my feet down and stay grounded.  I remind myself that I do not have to move at the same speed.  I have the option of stopping, looking around, enjoying this moment and especially enjoying the people who are present in this moment with me.  I remind myself that this is what the season is really about in the first place.  It's the people.  Our people.  It's not what we have for our people and certainly not what our people have for us, but rather, do we have our people?   Are they near?  Am I giving them my attention?  Am I showing them love?  Am I really listening?  Or, am I thinking about what name I drew for the gift exchange and HOW ON EARTH am I supposed to know what kind of stuff a boy that age likes....?  Oh my yes, it is so easy for me to get caught up in it all.  And so I remind myself over and over again to keep these feet of mine firmly planted and to...

Breath in.

Breath out.

Breath in.

Breath out.