This In Between Time

(Tangerine Tree, Christmas 2010)

This time between Christmas and New Year’s Day

can be a head spinning time

of planning and resolving.

Last year,

I even applied this planning to

my language.

As in

this year I

will be

‘intentional’.

(New Year’s 2009)

This year

(New Year’s 2010) 

I am changing it

to something a little

more

‘open-ended’

(as we say in the world

of student state testing).

I am

praying

to stay alert

and

to be grateful.

I want to be alert to

God’s voice,

opportunities,

the feelings of others,

nudges,

and

simply doing

the next right thing…

So often in my life

the next right thing

involves a sink full

of dishes,

watering my plants,

or folding a load of clothes.



It is rarely glamorous

or involves world acclaim.



It is inevitably in those times

when I don’t feel like washing the dishes,

watering plants,

or folding clothes.

Therein lies the test of my character:

to do it

anyway.

I also yearn to kick my gratitude level up a notch,

for simple things, and for life’s simple pleasures.

 

Our tangerine tree is full.

The pecans from our pecan tree have been collected.

We traveled safely during the Christmas weekend.

My grandsons gave me hugs so tight

I can still feel them.

 

I have a new favorite candle.

I am making chili tonight.

I am going to use up items in my freezer and pantry as best I can.

 

I am looking for inspiration for my house.

 

I want to write interesting posts that are meaningful .

 

So,

I shall be alert and grateful during this in between time.

***

 

How about you?