I have been collecting souvenirs; small collectibles to store away as reminders of this season. It has, so far, been a particularly fruitful time for these little acquisitions. Most everywhere I have looked, I have found some little token to treasure. So, I share a few with you, with the wish that you, too, have a cache of souvenirs that bring you joy.
Dinner around my table with a group of people I greatly admire and love. This group always reminds me that in spite of the darkness we see on the news and the idiocy displayed by various people in various walks of life, the world truly is getting better. It is a trajectory of goodness on planet earth, and if we will just take our vocation of working alongside God with a Jesus attitude, we can make our way closer to Eden. I give you a few statistics shared at my table during a lively, yet holy evening:
*in 1988 there were 23 ongoing wars in the world. In 2018 there are 12.
*in 1988 37% of the world lived in extreme poverty. In 2018 that number is down to about 10%, still too many, but progress is happening
*in 1988 there were 60,000 nuclear weapons in existence worldwide. Today there are around 10,000
No doubt, there is work to do, but things are improving. A precious souvenir to add to my collection.
A 3 hour lunch with friends. Four women, all of whom were in the same wedding some 46 years ago and we perused the photos of ourselves from that wedding. We were young then. We are not now. Four women who have lived lives that have included great joy, bone-crushing sorrow, highs and lows, happiness and sadness. Four women who sat in that booth in that restaurant and laughed and made connections and laughed even louder until a gentlemen came and said, "I don't know what you ladies have, but the world needs more of it." Another lively and holy time.
A full day with my friend, doing nothing of much importance, just being together. That day also included great laughter and deep talks about the things that matter to us. A friend who can be trusted with one's deepest feelings is truly a holy gift.
A day with my mother and sister placing flowers on graves, followed by lunch. There was great warmth and laughter in the day. Mom felt much better about the graves being "dressed" for winter and not lying there barren, unattended. Doree and I were so taken with the beautiful job we did, we talked about birthing a new business...Hubzer Grave Fluffers! Tacky? Maybe. I love old cemeteries, but I am not one who feels the presence of the deceased in the graveyard. But, that day, spent with my mother and my sister, contemplating how my grandmother would feel about the beautiful flowers on her grave and how my dad would be fussing at us for spending the money and for being out in the cold arranging flowers with a wire cutter that wouldn't cut tissue paper, made for a holy time.
An evening spent with women I love dearly. We try to get together every month. Our life circumstances are varied, but the one thing we do have in common is that we love our church family and we long to serve it well. It was a sweet, holy time in the home of our gracious hostess.
Days with our sweet Violet dressed in her Christmas clothes, wearing Santa hats all day as if that is the most natural thing in the world for a girl to do. Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, an evening looking at Christmas lights, crafts and cookie making and cuddling while watching Disney Christmas movies (the same one like 8 times). These days are going quickly and each precious moment is a holy moment for me, even in my fatigue.
The boys' enthusiasm for all things Christmas and watching them at time display such generous spirits, truly in the spirit of Christmas. There are days that I wish I could just freeze a moment and live there forever, but I cannot, so I'm going about collecting my souvenirs as reminders.
I sat at a table with people I did not know. I had a bit of dread for the evening. Mr. L's office party. It was a most delightful evening. Delicious food, amazingly generous people; people who live their lives to serve their family and their communities. I chatted with people awaiting their first grandchild, people whose foster children have been returned to a bad situation with their father and these people do not let go and continue to be involved with the children and with the dad, people who work with CASA to help at risk children. These things are not their paid jobs, but they are their vocation in life. It turned out to be a God-blessed evening.
Two different nights we gathered with people we have known for years to enjoy delicious food and warm atmospheres and the love of friends. I sat and looked around the homes where we were, homes that I have been going to for over forty years, and I felt a holiness of community.
The most holy of my souvenirs was a candlelight evening at church for Lessons and Carols. The music was beautiful, the words preserved from long ago, the voices raised in praise and prayer. A quiet and holy time.
There have been countless other souvenirs collected. Opportunities to serve or participate in community or just sit at home in my cluttered den filled with Christmas joy watching yet another Hallmark movie, listening to Mr. L's quiet snores Mornings spent with my dear daughter, an entire day with my precious son. As my dearly thought-of minister is always reminding us ~ it is all gift. Holy souvenirs, tucked away as reminders of the gift of the season and of each day I am allowed to walk this earth.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful new year.
