Half asleep, I scramble to get ready so I can make it to the gym before a full day of activities. 14 steps later and a severely bruised rumpus, I limp out the door making it just in time for my class. My being in a hurry had caused me to forget that my bulky wool socks and sleek wood steps are not friends. Also, my face does not like the floor.

I am always in a hurry and usually late. I am running here and there and hoping that one thing will get done so I can move on to the next. Feeling utterly important, I say yes to every opportunity that arises because the world needs me- as if I hold it in the palm of my hand. Everyone tells me to keep busy and you will be fine! My question is, since when was that a cure for loneliness? Where did we learn that? There are so many lonely, but people just say to keep busy and we’ll be fine? We are lonely because we don’t make time. I can’t speak for everyone, but I can say that for myself. We are too busy to cultivate the very relationships that we need most. Everyone has their own way in connecting with people. For some, it is doing things. For people like me, it is just taking the time of day to care. Some of the most beautiful things in life come slow and are not easily handed to us- and rarely are they things.  

Tying this in with the season- more than the giving and receiving of gifts, realize that the presence of the people around you are gifts. Cheesy? Yess. True? Absolutely! Try turning off the T.V. , leave the computer at home and purpose to BE in the present instead of wishing you were somewhere else. Listen to your great aunts silly ramblings, notice the wrinkles on your grandmother’s frail hands, hear the wisdom in your father’s voice and tell your mother you loved the lutefisk.

Speaking of the most beautiful things in life that come slow! Below is My little sweet pea of a nephew who is being carefully formed in his mothers womb. Just incredible! I can't even voice how excited I am to meet him in a few months!!!!! 

ALSO, Today is my parents 26th year wedding anniversary!!! There's another example proving my point! 26 years. I want to share this photo with everyone. I just love it so much! 

I have high hopes and so much to look forward to in 2013! Hope you all have a safe and cozy Christmas!