Being Still with a side of Joy

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all of my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. ~ Philippians 1:2-3

As the leaves on the trees have faded from bright green to shades of amber, red and gold, and more recently begun their decent to rest upon the ground, I find myself once again wondering how in the world another year has flown by. The bustle of the Christmas season is in full swing and I find myself busy scheduling special time with loved ones, decorating, baking, shopping and all of the sundry pre-holiday activities. It is in the midst of the busy holiday season, that I especially cherish the moments of being still. The moments that give me pause to embrace all that God has blessed me with.
It's a cold and cloudy afternoon and I am sitting on the couch in the quiet of my living room, surrounded by nothing more that the illumination of Christmas lights and the sounds of content snores of my dogs nearby. I adore these moments.
I love the holiday season. I love celebrating the birth of Christ and I especially love going to church during the advent season. I love the music and I love that people are so generous this time of year. I treasure that it is a season of gratitude and good will.
While each year has it's moments of sadness and trial, it also finds my cup abundantly overflowing. In the very essence of life, I am rich. Not monetarily, but in the ways that count the most, for the wisdom of the Lord reminds us;
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-20
My heart is overflowing with love for a husband that has found and shared with me a more intimate relationship with God. A husband who I love more every day and has finally found a career that challenges and fulfills him. A husband who continues to bring a smile to my soul and completes me in ways I could have never imagined.
My heart swells with love and adoration for the children that grace my life. While I have never been called to have children of my own, God has been so very gracious in allowing me to be involved with and share in so many sweet moments with each child in their own unique ways. My life would be so very incomplete without these precious relationships.
My heart dances with joy that my life has been deeply enriched with the companionship of some extraordinary women, each connection endeared to my spirit.
Then, of course there is family. A heart connection that draws deep and wide. A connection that can sometimes present challenges, but none the less, brings to my heart and mind a sense of deep loyalty and a desire to always embrace all that family can give. A love that comes from my very beginnings.
There are so many other ways my heart sings in gratitude and as the season continues so will my mantra of praise for all that makes me wealthy.
May we all remember in this season of celebration that the most joyous of all moments to lament upon is the great gift of life that God himself chose to experience with us here on this earth.