Is It Still January?

                                                   

The warm holiday feel of Christmas and New Year is over. Most of the decorations are put back in the bin and stored in the dusty attic. The family has gathered and only memories remain. All the gifts that didn't fit or were broken have been returned or put in the re-gift box. The New Year's resolutions are starting to get old.

And it's still January...

January can feel so long with its short days and cold temperatures. Going out holds mixed feelings; You want to spend time with people to break up the long winter evenings, but facing the cold and the possible germs you could encounter, makes you want to stay home. 

But January can be redeemed...

Most years at our church we do a fast for 21 days to start off the year by getting our hearts tuned in to the Lord and hitting the reset button in many areas of our lives. This year, along with fasting food, we fasted media as well. Every time I fast media, I find it extremely beneficial. I read more and listen to podcasts and good teachings more, and I feel like I am in the "zone" so to speak. I become so spiritually sensitive when I am not being bombarded with news, social media drama, and junky TV. (although my TV watching is very limited all year)

What are you doing with your January...

Each January, I take a few days to create a vision board and hear God for the coming year. This year, I delved way deeper, since I was fasting media. I enjoyed Bible journaling and decorating my journal for the year, and while I was doing these things I would listen to a teaching or worship music. I actually looked forward to the early darkness, to sit at my table, and work on my projects, with the ambiance of scented candles and steaming hot tea. 

So, yes, it's still January, but we only have 4 more days to go. We are slowly heading toward longer days and warmer temps. Let's all look for ways that we can use these colder months to grow spiritually and find something productive to do with our time. So, curl up with a good book and a fuzzy blanket and learn something new about yourself and/or the goodness of God. 

Blessings!

How Can It Be That I Am Now The Grandma?

 

The Christmas season has passed for another year and as I reflect on the Holiday gatherings, I am amazed at the passage of time and the passing down of traditions. My husband and I hosted our family on Christmas day for a big turkey dinner. As I was browning the butter to pour over the saffron-soaked Kluski noodles, and making the gravy just like my mother-in-law taught me how to do, I stood there in amazement, thinking, how did I get to be the grandma? How can it be that I am the one doing all this stuff? I still feel 40 (most times) in my mind. Time has passed so quickly and now I am the one who is doing everything that my grandma, my mom, and my mother-in-law used to do. I am the one buying all the gifts and setting a pretty table that is stretched out as far as it will go. It’s my house that holds the smells of grandma’s cooking and the squeals of overly excited children. I am the one who is now making memories for future generations; memories they will talk about for years to come.

As I write this my eyes fill with tears, as I think about generations past and the precious memories that I have of previous Christmases. I am reminiscing on fun times with huge family gatherings, delicious food, and so much love shared. That love may not have always been communicated with words, but it was a love that was tangible in other ways. The hours and days that were spent preparing for the festivities was one-way love was communicated. I am blessed to have happy memories of holiday fun and frivolity because I know that not everyone can say the same.

My grandparents have been gone for many years and my parents are both gone from this life as well, but their memories live on. The traditions, recipes, love, and laughter are a legacy that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Since I am now the grandma (sigh) I am thinking more and more about the legacy I will leave to my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I don’t want to just hand down pretty dishes, collections, or properties. I want to leave a legacy of time shared together, deep discussions around a campfire, praying together, fun vacations, baking cookies together, and drinking coffee on the front porch of the cabin, just to name a few.

I am learning to own up to being the grandma, accept that time moves on, and graciously embrace the aging process. I will joyfully brown the butter and make the gravy because it’s a labor of love, and it's leaving a legacy.