A Tree Full of Memories

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the tree. Ever since I was a little girl I would get so excited to get our tree in the house and set about the task of draping it's branches full of ornaments. As a child it was a family event. We would put on the John Denver or Amy Grant Christmas albums to get us in the spirit. My dad would bring out the boxes of ornament from the garage and my mom would pass out the ornaments to my sister and I to hang them on the tree. There were also certain rules to decorating our tree, my favorite being, all flying things (i.e. angels, Santa's on rocket ships, etc.) were to be hung at the top of the tree. Each year our tree would grow in fullness as we acquired new ornaments. Nowadays, the tree in my parents house is so full that hardly any branches are visible through the thick layer of memories.

And today my excitement over decorating the tree is no different. Last year my mom finally brought herself to part with my collection of ornaments and sent them to me to decorate my own tree in Seattle. My mom took such care to write on each box when and how each ornament came to be mine so that I would always know the stories, no matter how many years pass. Some were gifts from family or friends, others were purchased to commemorate special events of the year, some bought, some made, but each one tells a story. As I sit and look upon my tree each evening I am reminded of what a great life I have lived and the wonderful people who have loved me throughout. So as you decorate and enjoy your Christmas trees this year may you also feel the blessings of a life well lived.

In Spite of it all...Rejoice!

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted any "offerings," about 9 months to be exact. I am not entirely sure why I let the blog fall to the wayside. Perhaps a lack of feeling inspired, the busyness of life, or some other reason whose name escapes me. But lately there has been a lot of thoughts marinating in my mind and I am beginning to feel a longing to get those thoughts out in the world to see what could come of them.

There is something about the advent season that always seems to get me in a more contemplative mood. Reflecting on the mysteries of the season. Looking back on the wondrous unfolding of the past year and pondering how the next will play out. Reminiscing over all the memories of Christmases past. The lengthening nights lend themselves well to all of this pondering.

Then there is the current state of the world. An economic crisis that seems to grow more and more with each passing day. An entire continent ravaged by poverty and disease (my heart aches for the people of Zimbabwe in particular today). The earth groaning with pain from generations of neglect and misuse. Growing threats of war and terror.

It is a strange mix of blessing and sadness that fills my heart. So much going on that should rightly unsettle us, yet very aware that there is so much to feel blessed and lucky for. I feel hopeful in spite of so much. But I guess that shouldn't seem so strange to me. After all this is the season of hope and love and joy.

My dear sage, Madeleine L'Engle, probably was dealing with similar thoughts when she wrote her poem "First Coming." She put it this way...

God did not wait till the world was ready,
till...the nations were at peace.
God came when the heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
God did not wait Till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours of anguished shame
God came, and god's light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait til the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!