All around us the world is telling us it is time to rest.
Daylight is shorter each day, and the nights grow longer. Temperatures are cooler, even here in southern California.
It is as if all of life were encouraging us to slow down, take some time, rest and reflect. Wrap ourselves up, start a fire in the fireplace, take a well-earned nap.
We respond to this natural call by entering into an extended time of busyness and activities demanding our attention.
The “holidays” began months ago, with “back to school” and the “end of summer.” We ramped up through September and October, and are now hurtling toward the end of the year. Each special day carries its own traditions and expectations; each year we want to surpass and add to the memories of the past. We do not want to miss anything.
I enjoy celebrating holidays at least as much as anyone else. We believe that each activity, each tradition, each celebration will create a new memory and shape our lives.
I agree, though there may be some unexpected consequences to our approach.
Each new expectation makes it more challenging for me to remember how and why each of these days is important. I need to spend time reflecting on why Halloween is important each year. It becomes more difficult to spend much time being thankful each November. December becomes a blur of shopping, arranging people and events, and expectations.
I am hoping to start a new tradition of my own this year, and develop it in years to come. My tradition is sitting and rocking.
I know it will be a challenge, swimming against the tide.
Will you honor the call to rest and reflect deeply today?
How would spending time reflecting shape your holidays?
[Image by David Joyce]
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In