Taking Time

So obviously I'm not very good at this blogging thing, especially keeping to a schedule. (Which might be why I have so few readers, most of whom are probably family—if they even bother with it.) But that isn't discouraging. I know the best way to get at something is to practice.

Anyway, IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!  ALL THE FEELS!!! Yes, I know I just used all caps and multiple exclamation points, and I know it's annoying(at least to me), but there was no other way to express my excitement. I've been waiting for this snow forever, so: thanks, God!!!!

This day has actually been double delight awesome. Square-tailed cat awesome (shh, It's a thing.) The hustle bustle and wonderful joy of Advent and Christmas have been slightly subdued, but are still lingering. And new years is fast approaching. So, I needed to recharge my batteries. I didn't realize this consciously, of course, but I needed to nonetheless. I've been working, I haven't been writing, I haven't been exercising, I haven't been reading the Bible as often as I should… Life was spinning out of control, and I was in the backseat.

So, when fifth brother asked if I wanted to take a walk, I agreed. He went to his girlfriend's house, and I carried on to the park just down the street. I'd never been there before, and new parks awesome to explore.

There was a barely visible foot path leading into the woods, a fallen tree that led over a small gully. I spent an hour or so there, trudging around in the woods searching for clues, dodging patrols, reconning, and talking to Sí—the imagination games I used to play often, but don't have much time for anymore. I climbed trees. I acted like a complete madman, and loved it.

I discovered the magic I'd been missing for so long.

After I was too tired to carry on(and someone else showed up at the park), I started the long walk back. As I was going, I got to thinking about how blessed my life really is. How I've been taking everything for granted, especially the wonderful gift that Christ is to this world. I haven't let life get in the way of my joy—that's just an excuse. I've merely forgotten the reason I'm alive.

If you're like me, then the holiday season is almost as stressful as it is joyful. And throughout the merrymaking, you might forget the reason for merrymaking. It's not gifts, it's not family, it's not holiday vacation; although, all those are good reasons to be happy. No, it's God. God was born into this world as a man. He died on cross, rising from the dead so that our sins would be forgiven. He is why we are joyful this holiday season. He is the reason for gift-giving and getting together with friends and family. So I suggest you take a moment out of all the festivities, sit back, and give thanks privately. Count your blessings, and see what God has done for you. And have fun.

Merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all.

Go mbeanaí Dia duit,
M. S.