Contemplation...

On this last day of 2011, I've been doing some thinking and a bit of reminiscing...

A friend asked me awhile back if I was happy living where I am. I answered that I was content. After thinking about it, I don't know that content was the right word.

I enjoy the association with coworkers and friends that I never would have known without this experience. I am grateful for all that living and working here has brought me over the past decade and a half.  But as I thought back over that word - content - I realized there are different meanings that can be drawn simply by it's context.  It dawned on me that merely being content isn't good enough if it keeps one stuck in a rut, tied firmly and inextricably to the status quo. I guess maybe I should have said that I am not unhappy with my life as it currently is.

Still, like anyone, I do not know what the future holds in store for me. Perhaps what it holds is more of the same - staying where I am and continuing on. But, if what is on the horizon is something different, something new, then I hope that I am never just willing to settle for something I know simply because it is comfortable or familiar rather than taking a risk on something that is better for me.

I hope I have the courage to go wherever I am meant to go and do whatever I am meant to do.

Thinking back, it feels some days that I have lived a lot of my life playing things safe, willing to sit on the sidelines, blending into the background.  I'm not sure that's much of a way to live life. And - while that doesn't mean I'll be taking up bungee jumping or sky-diving anytime soon - it does mean that perhaps I need to be willing to go out on a limb more... Maybe the time has come to stop "sitting and puttering"... 

Here's to a 2012 filled with all the wonders a new year can hold...

The Nativity story... family style...

As part of our family party this Christmas the grandkids took part in a re-enactment of the story of the first Christmas...

Winter Wonderland.... December 2011 edition

This is the winter wonderland my parents put up every year. I hope you enjoy it. 

The music is: That Spirit of Christmas - Dustin Christensen

Life Through My Lens - Solitary wishes....

Somewhere along a dusty road in the vast desert expanse sits a lone tree...

I can't remember the first time I noticed this tree along the side of Highway 6, but nearly every year without fail it appears. I have no idea who provides it or why this desolate spot was chosen. I don't know if other travelers passing by feel the same sense of gratitude for the mysterious benefactor who brightens up this long stretch of highway. I do know that it never fails to leave me with a smile.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas day has come once again and with it comes thoughts of home and family and friends. Memories of Christmases past mingle with the present as the day passes on. Memories of joys shared, burdens of grief lifted, and bonds of family and friendship renewed. Earlier this month I mentioned in a post that there are times when the Christmas spirit can prove elusive. There are moments I still feel that way. Still, how grateful I am for the reason we celebrate the season. That the birth of one little child more than two millenia ago paved the way for all of us to come and live our lives, imperfect though they are. I have indeed been blessed with many gifts this Christmas... the gift of family... the gift of friendship... the gift of time shared... and so many more.

A friend recently introduced me to the book A Return to Christmas by Chris Heimerdinger. As I was finishing preparing for church this morning I put the audio of the book on to play. I had only a few chapters left, and I wanted to finish it today, on Christmas. It is a story that encompasses so many of the things I've addressed in this post, how sometimes the true meaning of Christmas can be lost, through tragedy or grief, through ingratitude and taking for granted things we are blessed with. And how, sometimes, circumstances can bring us back to a realization of what this day is truly about - love, unrestrained from our Father and Elder Brother - for ALL of us, through everything we may pass.

May this Christmas be one of peace and comfort to you as we remember the ultimate gift of Christmas.