OT:Sharing a Christmas Story

[Guest guest]

Hi ... I wrote this article back on December 6, 2000. It makes it's way

around the internet each December and has been published several places. Hope

you enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays (however you choose to

celebrate!). :-)

A Little but Very True Christmas Story

" If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we

consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our

lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey

across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the

shepherds?

Or brood over the coming of a child, as did ? For each one of us, there

is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to

bring to life " . ~ Author Unknown

~~~~~

Once upon a time there was a little girl who grew up in a family in which

she was loved and taken care of. She wasn't rich in the material sense, but

she certainly had it better than many other children her age. She was

comfortable and well taken care of in all the ways that children need to be

taken care

of. It was a good life.

And she was happy. And she LOVED Christmas! She loved decorating the house

and the tree. She loved helping her Mom bake and cook that special meal.

She loved the Christmas secrets and the anticipation that Santa was coming.

She loved going to church and seeing the live Nativity. She loved the carols

and hummed them all though the Holiday season. She loved having people in the

house and hearing the laughter that filled the air. It was all so magical!

And she had peace in her heart.

The little girl grew up, got married and had a family. She had a nice home

and many nice things. For several years things were fine and Christmas

remained a special time. Babies make for such sweet Christmas memories.

As time went on, and the years passed, she began to realize that something

was missing. How it happened remains a mystery, but suddenly there was no

magic in the Christmas season. December became a month of frantic emptiness.

The Holidays were filled with endless errands, finding the biggest, best,

newest toys. Nights were filled with empty parties of people she didn't

really care to know. Days were filled running from one event to the next.

Time was spent writing piles of Christmas cards (with a picture enclosed of

the 'perfect family,' of course). Afterall, the more cards one sends, the

more friends she has, right?

She spent time cooking mountains of food and every type of cookie known to

mankind. The refrigerator overflowed with food that could never be eaten

before spoiling, even if a small army was visiting. She went to bed late at

night, falling into a dead sleep -- nothing else to give. No time for

gratitude,

prayers or a hug.

Because this is a true story, the truth must be told, and the truth is that

there was adversity and pain through the years. There was the marriage that

no longer worked and divorce followed. The end of a long term relationship

and friendship was hurtful. And a child who became seriously and chronically

ill was devastating. There was simply no magic. How could there be joy in such

sorrowful times? There was no peace in the woman's heart.

Time went on, as it always does, and things eventually began to change.

Healing took place as the woman took charge of her life. She found that

many, many answers are found in silence and stillness. And the woman began to

relearn what she knew as a child.

She learned that it really doesn't matter WHAT is in your life as much as

WHO is in your life. She learned that 'illusions' are for mirrors, but not for

the real world. She learned that to fully love others, you must love

yourself too.

She learned the humming Christmas carols can brighten the spirits on any

day.

She learned to say 'no!' to the things she didn't really want, and 'yes!' to

the things she did. She learned that simple things like taking your kids to

cut down a Christmas tree can be the make the most wonderful memories of

all.

She learned that Christmas isn't merely a season -- it's a feeling.

She grew so much and she glowed with anticipation of all that could be! She

filled her time with meaningful and lasting things like deep friendships,

time to read a book, and sit by the fire with a child. She learned that 'more'

can be a burden and bigger is not always better.

Sometimes it is the simplest of gifts in which the richness lies. And giving

is always wonderful, but receiving with grace is also a gift to others. She

learned that God is always here and He doesn't give up on you even if you

want to give up on yourself. And she learned that peace in your heart is the

most precious gift of all.

Today, the little girl, who grew into a woman, allows herself to become a

little girl again. And Christmas is sacred once more.

The End.

by Beth Burns

www.brightsidecoaching.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soul Restoration Tip

What's your December strategy?

Before it becomes overwhelming, make out your plan to sail though the

Holidays with joy and grace! A winning strategy will get you through with a

lot less stress and a whole lot more peace. Think and journal about the

following:

What are the things you absolutely want to say 'yes' to? The things you

need to say 'no' to? Who do you want to share your time with? How are you

going to give to others? How are you going to keep from overspending? How can

you give in ways that do not have monetary value? How are you going to take

care of yourself during this busy season? What are the things that will

nurture your spirit as you close out the year?

Love and Prayers,

Beth