Back Again

Back Again--

Life is beginning to settle back into routine.  By Monday it will all be over.  Most decorations will be stored in places we are sure we will remember.  But we don't.  Christmas tree lights will be thrown into boxes in heaps.  We always intend to do that differently, too.  Special dishes will be packed away until next season.  Gifts will be returned or stored.  Golf shoes for next summer.  Books to read anytime.  Coffee cards--always the right size and color.  Yes, life will begin to look normal again.

Children will head back to school.  Teachers will groan with the load of homework to grade once the next semester begins.  They know there is much material to cover, and time will be short.  Life will fall into a rhythm that works.  Sports will fill evenings.  And homework around the kitchen table is a given.
Yes, it is all good.

The best thing is this--we have been given the gift of another year.  Some of us may not make it through the entire year, but whatever part we do enjoy, let's make it a celebration of life at its best.  Let's spend time with people we love.  Let's spend time sharing all of life.  Let's recognize that nothing is forever so we need to make that extra effort to cherish all moments.  Let's do at least one new thing this coming year.  It doesn't have to be something dangerous.  It can be as simple as reconnecting with someone we once upon a time enjoyed.  Or it could be something dangerous like jumping out of an airplane.  That sounds dangerous to me.

The point is to move beyond our usual circle of life and embrace new.  I like new.  It always looks so pretty and smells so good.  Like that new car smell.  Doesn't matter that someone in the garage took a can of good smelling spray and did a job on the inside of the car.  What matters is it catches our attention.  What might catch your attention in this coming year?  What will catch mine?

I don't know what to expect from this new year.  I do know that I expect to be around to share it with you.  To relish the warm sun, the glistening snow, the bright stars in the heavens.  To enjoy beautiful music.  To celebrate new life.  To comfort.  To grow into a better person.

Yes,  this new year has much to give.  It is up to us to take.  Rather than take small portions,  let's grab handfuls of new!  I'm getting excited just thinking about what might come my way!  How about you?