MERRY BLEEPING CHRISTMAS!

As most of you know I'm in sales - have been for ten years. With few exceptions I have spent most of those years dreading the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas (which I unceremoniously refer to as D-day - that is Done day). I work six days a week, an average of nine hours a day, and come home exhausted. Christmas morning more often than not is spent not rejoicing in the birth of my savior, but rather exhaling. Finally, I can relax, knowing the madness is over, at least until next Thanksgiving.

But the joy of the season, quite frankly, is missing. Just once I'd like to be able to enjoy the season; and no I don't mean necessarily the obvious things like getting gifts or shopping for others or decorating the house, though certainly having more time to do those things would ease the stress level I feel. What I'm talking about is feeling the real joy of Christmas; being able to appreciate what this time of year truly means to those of us who have been touched by His love. Instead of rushing through it and wishing for it to be over, wouldn't it be nice, I wonder, if I could just stay present in His presence, to breath it in like oxygen. I do believe I'd never let go of that feeling.

While at the Christmas party at the Church I had a difficult time enjoying myself; my mind seemed troubled and distracted by work-related issues. Not until the comedy sketches did I finally manage to let a little joy in. I'm glad I went, but I regretted not allowing myself to soak it in.

Maybe next year, I wonder. Maybe. There always seems to be another next year. Just once I'd like for next year to be this year!