Peace in Chaos

by Anita Benedict

I came home from choir practice a week before Christmas Day and I could not understand why it was so hard to believe Christmas was so close. We start talking about it before Halloween and decorate and plan months before, yet it always comes as a surprise. 

   Was it always that way?

   I don't remember decorating early as a child and it took forever for Christmas vacation to arrive. As an adult with children it may have sped up time, but still nothing like today. I am as ready as I could be. 

   Christmas is not the same as the "good ol days" and I, myself, have had to adjust. I am thrilled most of our kids can still come home for Christmas Eve, which has new, fun traditions - well, I think they are fun.

   It is the preparing for the games we play that gives me a bit of the spirit. Family time, with 7 cats in the house. I think we will leave them out of the family photo this year, they had a hissy fit last year.

   Last Thursday,  when I got home the sky was clear and the

 stars were beautiful. I stood for 10 minutes admiring the beauty above and was reminded of how small we really are. It was daunting and peaceful at the same time.

   If you are feeling overwhelmed this season. Go out and look up at the majesty of the heavens or whatever you call it - nothing religious - just awe at the amazing world we live in and find a bit of peace.