Christmas is in the air!
The words of beautiful carols keep drifting through my mind.
I've just returned from a weekly seniors’ luncheon where we were entertained by a choir of seniors from a nearby church. I was especially pleased to hear them perform, as I sang in this same choir a few short years ago.
As I approach the Season, I find myself struggling to know how to properly celebrate this beautiful event.
Looking beyond the familiar trappings around me that try to portray Christmas, I long to experience its true spirit — the spirit that decorates our hearts the way lights decorate a barren tree.
“This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
Sounds almost like a myth, but it is fact.
When I find it difficult to have a proper Christmas spirit, I need to think about His humbleness and love from that lowly manger — showing me there is nothing He wouldn’t do to bring me into a relationship with Him.
A beautiful thought — Immanuel, God with us. Praise God! I am no longer alone! His Spirit is with me and in me.
Fascinated with the interesting folk I meet and their comments, many pause with a word of thanks for this smiling, friendly, white-haired grannie doing her part to help the less-fortunate. I even think it inspires some of them to feel the urge to help as well, as they toss something into the pot.
One gentleman faced me, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are truly a beautiful angel!” (Ha!).
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| A photo of Norma and I during our travels in earlier years. |
I say "I’m recovering" as keeping pace with Norma, (soon to be 94 years young) is not exactly an easy task.
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| Boardwalk Seniors Residence, Calgary, Alta. |
Norma really enjoyed introducing me to all the staff and many of the residents. She seemed to know most of them, having lived there over five years already.
The twice daily, scrumptious meals, the warm and inviting atmosphere, a cozy fireplace in the dining area and entertainment room, active programs, all help the many residents feel it is truly their home.
A scenic bus tour of the city, two movie nights, an old-fashioned hymn sing, a night of musical oldies, a visit to a Christmas pageant already, all of which, provide plenty of choices to keep the residents active.
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| Seniors enjoying conversation together at Boardwalk Seniors Residence in Calgary. Boardwalk file photo. |
Norma had me involved in several of the above, as well as the privilege of attending her church and her mid-week ladies’ Bible study.
Never a dull moment to be sure. It was quite an eye-opening experience for me.
Another bonus for me, was a chance to renew friendships with Jerry and Helen, my brother and sister in the Lord. I met this lovely couple here in Kelowna in April of this year. They graciously travelled across town to greet me.
At a nearby restaurant, our time over lunch saw us sharing about how God has blessed our lives since we were last together.
Back to Kelowna; the interior of my home has been decorated for Christmas earlier this past November. My elves, Mark and Debi (who do the decorating), are now holidaying in sunny Mexico.
On my return trip from Calgary, Karen and James had decorated the outside of the my home. "Why am I so blessed?"
Now, I’m excited about my upcoming weekend visit with my Kamloops family — Dave, Carolyn and Marian.
Something to think about — Let’s remember, “Your days are numbered.
Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun.
If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”
— Marcus Aurelius
— beulah
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