WHAT REMAINS MATTERS MOST
After all the decorating, shopping, wrapping, mailing, baking, cooking and gatherings, what remains? Well, I still feel some sand from the beach on the floor. Laundry lurks. Some candles need replacing, stubs saved for emergencies. A few peppermints look tempting in a dish nearby. Oh, the refrigerator needs organizing. Some gifts need putting away, as well as wrappings recycled for next Christmas.
Meanwhile, in the garage, trash bins overflow, leaving little room for a car. Oh, and bills are coming due. Reminders that there's a price to pay for all of the above. Which is why I keep this quote from Thoreau on my refrigerator all year long: The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."
But it's been so worth the cost to all be together for these few precious days. And through gifts and cards to reconnect with friends and family all over this country and world. But, if you wonder what happened to yours? Fear not. I didn't send any, not to save time or money but to save me. Lately, I'm making slugs and sloths look energetic, even rambunctious.
Maybe I'll try in the New Year, since I never mind when I receive Christmas cards , especially since I read most after Christmas. And after reading, I love praying for each sender. Then there's this blog, which helps me connect heart to heart throughout the year. Thanks for not hitting UNSUBSCRIBE.
Still, after life settles into more predictable rhythms, what matters most that remains? Family, friends, and faith. And especially Jesus, for me and many of you. Best of all, Jesus remains with us in the middle of the muddles and messes of our lives: past, present and future. If we're wise, we won't pack him away with the rest of the nativity.
Well, as I write, only hours remain in this year. Looking back and looking ahead bring to mind Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (NLT) I'm 84 and still asking God to help me stay teachable. Like a puppy, I need reminders to SIT, STAY and to COME when called or nudged by God's Spirit. You, too?
So tonight, many will party and stay up unusually late to welcome the New Year. Some will light fireworks, make champagne toasts, watch the ball drop in NYC, or honk horns,etc. Others will be in church to pray in the New Year. Remember Watch Night Services? I will probably head to bed before the clock strikes midnight, but not before expressing gratitude for what was and hope and trust in God for what's to be. I still like to party, just a little earlier. Like the cartoon my sister-in-love sent me today. It was from a Nursing Home announcing: New Years' Eve Party Tonight 7:15-7:30.
Well, I thought it was funny.
And wise.
Remember?
No matter what's been or is ahead, Here be God!(12/5 blog)
16 Comments
Jan, lovely as usual. I was teaching the Thoreau quote when I was a young professor. This was late 60s. Some of my students decided it cost too much life to take an exam from one of my colleagues. He got very upset. The students wouldn’t give in. Anyway, life moves on. My colleague and I have been lifelong friends. Your friend, Phil
Students, like our children, keep us young and age us, as well. Not surprised you and your colleague remained friends. I always love hearing from you, dear Phil. May you and Sharon continue to focus on what matters most. I remain grateful for your friendship.
Thank you as always Jan! You hit the nail on the head every time and with such humor.
Blessed New Year and sweet sleep!
And a blessed New Year to you, dear Nancy, as well. Thanks for keeping connected and encouraging me to feel free to sleep. May your sleep be sweet as well. I agree with Shakespeare's lines from Macbeth. "Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care... sore labor's bath, balm of hurt minds." A good night's sleep is one of God's gifts.
Bravo Jan!!!!! Bravo. Sit Stay Come but don’t forget Roll over??? With laughter and joy for your blog and wisdom!!!! Xo and Happy 2025! Let’s go!!!!!
Hah! You are one of my favorite Gordon girls! As for rolling over, I'm grateful I can still do that. And I can still fetch, but not run and fetch. Happy 2025 to you and your family. Hopefully, we can connect face to face again before 2025 is history.
Dear Jan, thanks for the thought, energy, and time you invest in all of us with your writings. I cannot speak for others, but I feel I learn a lot about you and your Jesus bond and how Jud influenced your life as well. I guess when we write we reveal, and I appreciate your willingness to reveal so much in a way that blesses others. Blessings, Dale
Well, your comment is what is known as a gift of encouragement, my dear friend Dale. And no wrappings to toss, just words to ponder when I wonder if anything I write make a difference to anyone but me. But then, before I write or hit publish, I pray. And like life, I trust God to do whatever with whatever I've written, said or done with this day. And God shows up, and I'm awestruck again. And grateful.
Meanwhile, I wish you, Marty and your family and very blessed New Year. Your forever friendship remains one of God's good gifts to me.
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Happy New Year Jan!
I am blessed all year long by your wisdom, spiritual insights and you so often make me laugh as I relate to what you share. Grateful to God for you! ❤️
Thanks, dear Judy. I love how this blog keeps me connected with friends and colleagues from my years of being part of Grace Chapel. Those years of being on staff, teaching JOY Bible study and being part of such a great church grew me and I'm so grateful. Thanks for your encouragement. Every now and then I connect on-line or drive down to Lexington for my "Grace Chapel fix." Happy to add some laughter and wisdom to your day.
Happy New Year dear Momo-Jan!! I laughed at Kris’s cartoon too - it’s very funny!
I can’t believe I get to celebrate my 60th year with you - what a blessing, and such a wonderful way to kick off the new year. I’m excited to see you!
Love, Jumo
WooHoo! Rest up, I'm coming! And looking forward to celebrating you! It's a great way to kick-off the New Year, catching Basil's final soccer game of the season and watching you set off alarms from all those candles on your cake. As I've said before, one of the fringe benefits of being Heather's mom is the fun of connecting with her friends. You count twice! Thanks again, for coming to Homecoming. You got to meet Chris and know why she's so much fun to be around. Me, too, if you like old people. Love always, Cardamomo
Jan,
Praying the best of 2025 for you and your family.
Toni
Thanks, dear Toni. And I wish you and your family a wonderful 2025. You are wise to pray for the best in 2025. I'm praying for that, too, Prayer matters. It reminds us that we aren't in charge. And so we can go to bed early tonight!!
Jan, yours were the best words I read on the first day of this new year. The news put me to shuddering, but your post was like a blast of fresh January air. I had not heard the Thoreau quote before you mentioned it in a previous post, and it has stayed with me. At 71 I still tend to overcommit, not leaving enough margin in my days to sit and ponder. (Case in point - I just reviewed my calendar for 2025 and it includes at least 15 long-distance trips, most needing to be done by air.When will this girl ever learn?) Then again, we have kids in 4 states and siblings in 7, so there's a lot of traveling to do.) Love you dear friend!
And I love you, my Norwegian sister-friend, Maggie. I will pray for wisdom for you to know when NO is the holiest word you can say.
But I know how challenging that can be to discern in a world of must-be-done and so many needs. May the New Year be one in which you and your family flourish. And your speaking and writing continue to bless and encourage many. Count me among the many.