Thursday, December 1, 2011

Where is all the time going?


Well here it is, December 1st and just 30 more days and another year has flown by. I don't know about you, but there are points in this year that have grown stagnant and points where someone hit the "fast forward" button and the month was over before I had a chance to change my calendar page.

This time of the year seems to be set to "fast forward." Christmas shopping to get done, Christmas meal planning is in the works, guest lists planned, Christmas packages wrapped and mailed along with your Christmas card list, volunteering opportunities and church festivities all wrapped up inside of 30 days filled with your daily "to do" lists as well.

Yet for me, this is the month I long for, wait for all year long. It's when the weather changes and we can turn the fire place on and enjoy sitting by the fireside. It's where the leaves change color and the mockingbird hurry to gather the last remaining berries off the tree before the rains come. It's where I hope that moods and attitudes change for the better. Where people are just a touch nicer than during the other 11 months of the year.

Before you know it, we have to wait another 365 more days to get a second chance at Christmas and winter again. So today as I watch the last remaining leaves fall from the trees as the winter winds blow outside, I spend time in reflection and a silent meditation of sorts. Christmas music softly playing the background under the glow of the lights from the Christmas tree and just enjoy the mood that all of this creates. A mood of peace, on gratitude for not being busy doing something, on not having anything to do but sit. Although a nice hot cup of coffee sounds good right now too!

It's never too late to slow down. To enjoy the life that rushes by at an exponential pace, almost faster than I can blink an eye. Perhaps if I try, by the end of the day, I won't fall in bed completely exhausted and wonder "what just happened today?" It will end in sigh instead of a gasp and then tomorrow will offer the challenges of a new day.

Let's slow down a bit. If you're think, "yeah, right?!" why not ask yourself, why not? What can you eliminate that will provide you with more time to enjoy the day. What can wait til later? How can you simplify your life?

I look forward as always to your insights, your comments, as the gifts they truly are in my life!

By the way, in keeping up with Susan's 31 day photo challenge, I have posted my picture for today at the top of this blog, "Something Red!" If you're interested in the 31 day December photo challenge, check out my sidebar for details on Susan's page.

8 comments:

Joyce said...

Wishing you a peaceful season of advent...I don't always comment but I do enjoy the soothing tone of your blog.

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kat, Seasons blessings to you today. One of the nice things about retirement is that you can slow down if you want. I love this season too and getting the opportunities to show His Love to others. I know you may be having a fire danger in your area but we are having a snow storm. Got to love staying inside.
Hugs today. Noreen

Skoots1moM said...

Kat...it was great to read your comment...it's been a while since i've jumped around to various sites...hope this finds you doing GREAT.
This is going to be a fun 'to do'
Merry Christmas!

LV said...

Kat, always so happy when I see where you have dropped by. I still have a hard time recognizing your picture. I was spoiled the other way. I really like your first day of December shot. Trust all is well with you and family. You know you have been one of may favorites since I started this blogging. Blessings to all of you.

Mary said...

Love the red bear!

SusanD said...

I feel the same way. 2011 seems to have flown by. Once the weather gets warm life is in fast forward. I'm so glad you are joining in with this photo challenge. Mr. Linky is up to make it easy to play along and link back to your blog. Blessings, SusanD

Anonymous said...

The year flew by, didn't it! Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year and am especially looking forward to jumping around and looking at everyone's photos! Great capture for today!

Cathy said...

Love your red bear.