He calls us…
day by day,
hour by hour,
minute by minute.
Hugs n’ Blessings!
Category: faith
O, Christmas Tree! How lovely are your branches!
It started with just one.
I remember the day I saw it for the first time. I was hustling back from a day full of errands and obligations. The last one was a hospital visit with someone I cherish. It was the type of day where my car ride was filled with Hail Marys, as I drove along & lifted up prayers for all the many intentions I’d been asked to join in prayer with. I remember thinking to myself that life seemed particularly unkind that day. So much to pray for, so much sorrow and pain to ask for healing.
And that’s when I turned the corner onto the road which leads to our home and spied it for the very first time..
One
lonely,
red,
enormously round,
Christmas ball;
which hung on a small lopsided pine tree, along the side of the road.
It made me smile. A living ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas tree, right there at the side of the road. 
“How did that get there,” I wondered? I didn’t remembering seeing this splash of red hanging there this morning as I left our home. I giggled to myself imagining the thoughtful person or persons who took the time to place it there. For the next several days I enjoyed driving past this tree decorated with the one lonely ornament. I even found myself purposefully planning my travel routes so that I could drive past this unexpected roadside joy; which instantly seemed to brighten my mood each day. And then it started…
Others began adding ornaments of their own to the tree! Alas, this single red ornament was no longer lonely! Seeing them made me realize that I was not the only one who enjoyed this ‘random decorating’ of a lonely small pine tree at the side of the road. Day by day the collection grew. It became a small slice of wonder to see how many more decorations would be added to the tree each day. And it became so infectious that I secretly hoped I would be able to join in with spreading the joy! However, with the recent move and the reality of still looking at a long list of things to do to prepare for the Holiday the opportunity to join in seemed improbable.
The evening we pulled our own Christmas Decorations out for the first time in our new home I honestly felt over-whelmed! We had only been living here for a few short weeks and I’d managed to find ‘places’ for all (well, maybe most) of our STUFF. Now I was about to embark on Christmas decorating and it felt daunting. It was like being washed over and covered by a wet, woolen, blanket. None of it felt comfortable! For at least two days I could only open the lids on our boxes and stare. The tree stood assembled, lit and undecorated and I wondered to myself if I could pull off a very merry UNDECORATED year! Needing inspiration and motivation I dug through our tree ornament box until I found exactly what I was in need of at that moment…an ornament of our own to add to the roadside Charlie Brown tree!
After choosing just the right one I prepared Helen, the best golden-retriever in the universe, to venture out with me for the short walk to the tree. I was so excited to be DOing something I’d been dreaming of for days that I’m quite certain I let a giggle or two escape, as I fastened the leash around Helen’s collar! I felt just like I did when I was a young child and couldn’t get to the Gregor’s sled-riding hill fast-enough to join in with all my other neighborhood friends, who were already whisking down the hill on their sleds having a great time! I was so excited I even allowed Helen to take on a quicker pace; which in hind-sight may not have been so wise carrying a glass ornament in hand!
Once we arrived I had so much fun looking at all the other ornaments already displayed. It was wonderful to see them finally close up, instead of just gazing at them from my car as I’d drive by. As Helen and I walked around the circumference of the tree I couldn’t help but wonder how each person came to choose the one decoration they would add to the display. I’m certain each one came with its own unique story behind the giver.
As Helen continued to sniff around the tree’s surroundings I located the branch I would display our ornament from and proudly hung it there: a rotund ‘Santa & Mrs’ busy baking Christmas treats together. This ornament always brought a reminder of the many aprons we’ve had around our home, from the time I was a young bride until now. The tradition of making them handed down to me from my grandmother, Doris. 
After snapping a picture of Helen in front of the tree I stood back to take it all in. 
How grateful I was for that one person’s random act of kindness of adding an ornament to this roadside tree, which now brought me daily slivers of joy! I felt a warm peacefulness I’d been missing with the chaos that had enveloped me since July, when the transition of moving first began.
Mesmerized by the creativity of it all I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard a loud honking at the side of the road, which I’d had my back turned toward! An enthusiastic passenger yelled out from her now rolled down car window, “We want to add one too!!” She proceeded then to tell me how they look forward to driving past to see how many new ornaments have been added and they plan to be a part of this roadside joy also! Another car just then drove up and pulled over also, this time with a small child spilling out onto the ground as the backseat door flung open! I knew, even before seeing it, exactly what was in his tiny little mitten hand that now planted itself in the light layer of mixed snow & leaves…another ornament to share with the tree. As he hung the ornament he was so excited to display, I collected Helen and giggled once again as we walked away; silently wondering to myself if this little guy felt the same way heading towards a sled-riding hill too.
Walking back to the house, with a new pep in my step, I had a renewed spirit! Once home & wiping the snow from Helen’s paws, I returned to lid-less Christmas decoration boxes and began.
The Spirit of Christmas was ignited in me now and the joy of decorating our new home was alive!
As the day unfolded and box after box emptied I reflected often on the Charlie Brown tree and how much I’d needed that unexpected roadside joy this holiday season. And I know that’s exactly what Christ hopes to give to us.
Christ reaches out to us in many unexpected ways… hoping we will find HIS joy within it.
You show me the path of life; in Your presence there is fulness of joy, in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
Joy is often the smile we have inside us, no matter what is happening around us. For me, God is our SOURCE of joy…even when it is found in a roadside Christmas tree that I discover Him. I am grateful for the reminder this season that even when the world around me seems particularly “unkind” God’s joy surrounds me and enfolds me in His care; reminding me (sometimes unexpectantly,) that peace still can be found.
How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! Psalm 92:5
Since placing our own ornament on the Charlie Brown roadside tree I still continue to drive passed and watch the collection grow. However, now I’m not only looking at the ornaments that have been added; instead I’ve since included a small prayer of gratitutde for the person who stood there and placed that first lonely, red, enormously round, Christmas ball on a single branch. I pray they may know what a difference they made, even if only in a small way, in spreading the joy of Christmas & reminding me of His constant care.
No matter how you may find it;
may you discover the peace & love,
which God so greatly desires you to receive,
this Holiday Season!
hugs n’ blessings for all the many unexpected giggles this holiday season…sled-rides & all!
Tell me, “Why?”
Since I announced, nearly three weeks ago, that I would be deactivating my Facebook account indefinitely I’ve had many ask, “Why are you leaving Facebook?” It has been easiest for me to simply answer, “For many reasons.” Mostly because it is the truth!! However those who know me well, who know how I “operate,” recognize I prayed and properly discerned this choice of mine. Some of these reasons are, of course, obvious ones. The “time” element leads the way! And ultimately it IS the time on Facebook that has affirmed I’m not using this (my time,) as “wisely” as I should.
How much time I’ve spent scrolling….scrolling…scrolling in an effort to connect with all the people I enjoy celebrating life with! It can be so exciting! In this small way I am able to experience the many wonderful things that my family & friends are showcasing in their lives. The trips they have taken, the way their families have grown, the latest birthday or anniversary, weddings and graduations, and especially the color of my daughter’s latest nail polish!!! (I really liked the Valentine’s manicure best.) In the space of the 8 x 11 screen, which on most occasions sits on my lap, I can relish in the joy they are experiencing in those moments…and I somehow feel as if I too have been invited into that special time. Not always a ‘daily newsfeed crawler’ I quickly developed a sense of GUILT if I ever missed a special announcement, or occasion, or failed to “like” a personal post or picture. (Yes, I’m a Catholic.) Then there have been the concerns, comments, & judgements if I didn’t click “like” or “follow” AND the reverse of both!! And so more time is spent, in an effort not to disappoint, than is needed.
All in a world that I get to “see” but am rarely engaged in. The exhaustion of it all…. 
At first I thought a quiet deactivation would work. Quietly take a break and then quietly re-enter when I’d renewed my brain-cells. (No one would notice, right???) Seemed like a good idea, until I tried it.
For the most part, it was a GREAT IDEA and it felt good for me not carrying the burden I’d self-imposed. But when I reactivated I’d discovered there was a very important unread message sent to my inbox. I felt crushed. I had let one of my ‘soldier-boys’ down. He needed prayer and I’d left him with only silence… (Hence, more catholic-guilt.)
After taking the time to reply back to my friend, to assure him of my commitment to pray for his special intention; I took some time for myself to ask, “How do I do this Lord?” “How do I develop a way to partake in the lives of those who desire to be in relationship with me and yet spend the time that is needed where You design as necessary.” And then I became silent.
“It is our one business, my brethren, to worship Him and love Him, without thought of anything else.” – Brother Lawerence
The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawerence a seventeenth-century French monk, helped me to hear God’s whisper, God’s answer to me. And I became still.
It was in that period of quiet examination when my God revealed that He too ached that I was not receiving all the messages He was leaving ME, in the same way I had ached discovering the unread message from my friend stationed far away. He used my friend’s ‘call for prayer’ to remind me it is prayer which is most important and that all prayer leads to Him. All of this has helped me to examine how neglectful I have been with the time I spend with my God, checking in with HIM, scrolling through the days & the moments that HE showcases to me. And it’s all right THERE, not only in a screen or on a smart phone but in the real life I’m living. The laughter of a conversation, or the holding of a hand, and even the difficulty of a tear wiped away.
“I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action, I must be mindful of God.” Brother Lawerence
I need to be more mindful. I need to be more engaged in the tangible world more than the virtual. I need to be aware of my time spent in prayer, lived out and practiced.
Fully. Wholly. Holy.
And so I began my deactivation plan from Facebook! (Not from my family & friends!) I’m actually more excited now about the relationships I have than ever!! It’s too easy for me to just click & scroll. Just like it’s too easy for me to miss the many opportunities to receive those messages left to me by my loving God! Now I must make the effort to engage in life again!
Fully. Wholly. Holy.
In the past three weeks I have heard from so many people sharing phone numbers, email & snail-mail addresses. (I’ve connected lots of dots that were missing or not even in the puzzle!) I’ve made sure those far away have the information they need to contact me. And I am trusting God to put others in contact with me, who seek me out in the future, in very Divine ways!! (He’s pretty creative, you know. Just look at the Peacock!) I’ve encouraged people to send me their photos via text messages and email, as I still want to share in your joy! (Plus, see Abby’s latest nail fashion. *Side bar: Do we even develop photos anymore??) I promise too that I will try to keep up with this blog!! (I invite you to check back periodically for a visit!) My Facebook page is going away, but not me!
And lastly, I promise: I will always have a hug & a blessing to share with anyone who wishes to receive one. Given:
Fully! Wholly! Holy!
Hugs n’ Blessings,
Dawn Marie
hugsnblessings 