The Calm

I love the calm of the early morning before anyone wakes up and the house is quite. Last night it snowed. For some reason I have not spent the time to figure out yet, when it snows a peace lays over me and I feel love. As I write this, I’m listening to George Winston’s December. I love his piano solos. I came in contact with his music in college. I could listen to it all day. In fact, I do many days. It also calms my spirit.

I know that many people feel rushed this time of year. They feel pressure to get the perfect gift, to attend parties, to have everything go as planned. I had a friend tell me the other day, “Relax, nothing is in control.” I use to be so in control of everything; my emotions, my house, what I ate. That is part of the reason I enjoyed the military so much. There was a place for everything and everything in its place.

Awhile back, two friends stopped by to see me when I was stuck at home because of a blood clot in my leg. They had never been to my home so I was showing them around. When I showed them the pantry, they were shocked. My cans of food were all lined up with the labels facing out. My house was GI as they say. BOY have I changed.

When my daughter, Erin, was young we use to fight because she would move things and not put them back. It drove me crazy. Then one day she brought home a poem.

“FINGERPRINTS”

Sometimes you get discouraged,
because I am so small
And leave my little fingerprints
On furniture and walls.
But everyday I’m growing
And soon will be so tall
That all these little fingerprints
Will be difficult to recall.
So here’s a little handprint
That you can put away
So you will know how my fingers looked
On this special day.

Author: Unknown
Read more at https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/5772.html#C6jP78jlfUXC5Ckw.99

This poem changed my life. That was when I started becoming the person I am now. I made some major changes. It has not always been easy but it has always been worth it. I can now sit and write my newsletter in the calm even though my home is a mess. I haven’t dusted for some time or swept the floors and I am at peace because spending time with each other is more important.

Last night we stayed up until 2:30 am watching movies because Max wanted to spend more time with us. All because of another poem that changed my life. You can find it here https://www.cathye.com/momjustfortoday.htm

Now you know why I can sit and be calm; because, I choose too. Because I have decided life and living is more important than a clean house. Because God is in the calm. He is there waiting for us to just slow down and connect with Him. Life is meant to be lived. You need to enjoy each moment. Find your calm and live there. When you find you are slipping out, find ways to get it back. It really is a better way to live. I know I’ve done it.

Take care and live in peace.

Have a blessed Christmas and remember you are loved. You are valuable. You are needed in this time and space.

Merry Christmas.