Today, we got the rest of the Christmas decorations out of the storage unit,
and as I was going through the contents of the Tupperwares,
I found a piece of paper tucked inside one of the
Christmas magazines I had saved.
It was a letter from my mom, along with a poem written by Marjorie Holmes.
(me, December 2005)
Let me come eagerly to Christmas this year, Lord. Let me come gaily,
with a new delight in the countless things I
must accomplish – the shopping, the wrapping,
and mailing, the addressing of mountains of cards.
Let me find new joy in the bazaars, the parties and programs,
the baking and decorating… not to mention all the things
I’ve promised to do for others.
Instead of my usual seasonal panic,
fill me with a glowing sense of trust and peace.
Each day that I awake, let me rejoice in the fact that
I’m well and able to do it – that I can get up and begin.
And though there never seems to be enough time (or money),
let me remember that you’ve never let us down.
That, as with the loaves and the fishes, a miracle happens each year.
There is always plenty – more than plenty.
The house overflows with gifts and friends, the tree is bowed
with its shining burden, the table groans with delicious things to eat.
Even time stretches out like a magic ribbon,
somehow embracing all that must be done.
As for strength – therein lies the greatest marvel of all.
You give each of us extra portions for the season
so that at the end, like children,
we hug Christmas close to our hearts and don’t want it to be over.
Remind me of all this as I prepare for Christmas this year, Lord.
Let me come eagerly to the seemingly impossible, knowing that this holy,
happy season is a time of miracles.
(Jane, December 2005)
I read the poem and cried.
I needed to hear this reminder, and it made me miss Mom
and her wise counsel and relatability.
It's officially December, so...MERRY CHRISTMAS!
