December

December is here! 

There are many things I enjoy about the year.  I enjoy each of the seasons: the flowers in the spring, the summer fun, and the leaves in the fall.  But there is something special about December, not about winter, but December. 

December invites change.  We put up a Christmas tree and add extra lights and decorations around our house which spend 11 months out of the year in boxes.  We listen to music about family and togetherness and love.  We drink hot drinks by a cozy fire.  We stop a bit more, play games a bit more and choose us a bit more. 

Sometimes it snows.  The white blanket and flying flakes are my favorite.  They bring silence and peace.  The white flyers disguise anything attempting to bring chaos.  They are in no hurry to land, unlike raindrops which rush to the ground.  They will let the wind push them along, not fighting, but floating and settling wherever they are laid.

I am reminded how important it is to maintain our values during this time.  We still have to choose what makes us strong.  We still have to choose what gives us peace.  We still have to choose what identifies us and determines our next step. 

Enjoy each moment of each day.  This season, this month, is not about the number of things you can accomplish.  It isn't about the number of things you can buy or the number of events you attend.  It is about family and peace and love like every other day of the year. 

I love December because it often looks different than other times of the year.  The snow in January never quite feels or looks like the snow in December.  I love December because we change things around us for a moment and get a different vantage point on our lives.  I love December because it is different and for a moment, everyone welcomes the difference and celebrates together.