Thoughts on a Winter's Night

The passage of time amazes me. In January, the year begins anew and I believe I have all the time in the world to accomplish my New Year’s resolutions. Before I know it, I’m eating candy out of a heart-shaped box, and I have almost no time to take a breath before green is the color of the day and shamrocks abound. Spring brings the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, followed in no time by days to honor Mom and then Dad. Watching fireworks light the sky on Independence Day still thrills me, and it seems that as the ash falls from the sky children are preparing for a new school year and we celebrate the day that marks the end of summer. Suddenly the days seem to start going faster and soon little goblins run to my door hoping for a treat. I have little time to catch my breath before I’m preparing a Thanksgiving feast to set on the table. Suddenly Christmas is upon me and I delight in putting up lights and decorations, trimming the tree, and baking cookies as I wait to celebrate the birth of Christ. And if that isn’t enough to speed along the year, there are birthdays, baptisms, weddings and anniversaries to celebrate with loved ones. It seems life is, after all, the passage of time and a series of “occasions” that bring people together in joy and yes, sometimes sadness. But right here, right now the spirit of the season makes me smile. Children laughing, adults scurrying, Santa ho ho-ing, houses draped in lights, frosty nights, and bright stars. As another year draws to a close, I wish you sweet memories, joy in simple pleasures, and blessings in the New Year.