On the Eve of Christmas

With each Christmas, I am always reminiscent of days gone by and memories from when Santa was a true sparkle in my eye. With memories of rushing into the living room to see what treats Santa brought to attending midnight mass and enjoying each carol with a new found appreciation; I enjoy each moment of the Christmas season because it offers true hope for brighter days.

As I go about my day, the Christmas music rings through the house and the cookies are in the oven, I look back at the year that I've had - the laughter, the tears, the challenges and the triumphs. This year, has been a particularly difficult year and as Christmas brings us to the close of the year, I am looking forward to the next. In this year I have been tested and tried on almost every level and with each challenge I have gotten back up and dusted myself off ready to take on what comes next.

I am so grateful for a loving family and blessed with a delightful daughter. Blessings come with many learning opportunities and teaching moments. This year, my personal learning opportunity has been that of forgiveness. To forgive others and myself - the reasons need not matter, but the ability to forgive matters greatly.

"The test of whether we have forgiven someone is not whether we remember the incident, but in the attitudes and behaviors we exhibit. We know we have forgiven someone when we are no longer controlled by the pain. Forgiving is better than forgetting - But God does both."

So as I wake up and offer gratitude and appreciation to experience another beautiful Christmas, I do my best to forgive those things that will hamper the future and release the pain of the past. After all, through the joy and pain of life we are led to where we are meant to be - even if, in that moment, we don't realize it.

Whether the pain is personal, public, or for some - unmentionable - there does come a time to work through it and let it go..thanks to great friends and new beginnings...it is possible.

I am grateful for another Christmas season and look forward to many more. I certainly wish each of you bright blessings for a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.