Yessirree, it really does feel like yesterday that I sat down to write these same words on the blog.
A very different yesterday at that....different hopes, dreams and expectations of who, what and where I'd be by this Christmas. In all honesty I don't think I've moved beyond 5% of the then status quo, and that has a bittersweet feel.... however, self-justification and defense is for New Year's Eves and that's the way it shall remain.
I attended a Christingle service last night..... a lovely time of light-hearted banter, games, sharing and some serious reflection to boot. It amazes me how a campfire always seems to bring out the deeper side of me...if such a thing exists at all :)
For want of time, I'm gonna let you read about the custom of Christingles here...but there's no reason you can't see what it looks like right away..so here's a pic.
But it was during the service that I came across something that seemed to express it all perfectly.... so much that I'm just going to share that with you and hope that it does all the talking....
"We thank you, Spirit of love
Not for perfect lives, perfect bodies,
perfect love or perfect families.
Today, as we reflect on a small, tender baby
unable to care for himself,
born to young, unsure parents in a rude shelter
surrounded by the poor and outcasts
we give thanks for imperfection.
For the times of waiting, of not knowing.
For the times we pondered in our hearts
whether we could do what you asked of us.
It is those times that the Christ-child comes to our hearts
to give us peace and courage,
to give us to know what we should do next.
How we can best care for ourselves,
for one another, and for this fragile world.
As the wind howls and snowflakes dance down,
we give thanks for the knowledge that imperfection
is the ground in which God sows
Miracles
Wholeness
and Growth.
We give thanks aloud and in our hearts for the ways in which we have seen those miracles of love."
May all the gifts of the season be yours, and may you have a wonder-filled Christmas and 2010!!
God bless us everyone....
Love
Zahra
Pic copyright: www.photobucket.com
