Baby, It's Inspiration Outside

What I am struck by during this season of abundance is quiet grace. What is, pray tell, "quiet grace?" It was recently embodied in the new friend, who is so busy working in the family business and taking care of her children that when the subject comes up of the "holiday list," she acknowledges that the very first person on the top of her list is none other than her husband. If a photo is worth a thousand words, then this sentiment is worth a thousand more.



This singular thought really made me think about just how much grace there really is to be had at this time of year. Because far beyond the food coma; the one more glass of this & that and the seemingly endless amount of gift bags and (even less) wrapping paper, what truly holds inspiration during the very last month of 2010, is what one really can't see (smell, touch, taste or hear.) It is not that all the food, the hot chocolate and the gifts don't have their place in the month, but we're talking just icing here and there is really, really good "holiday cake" to be had.



What is this cake you ask? Just think of all the world's infinite possibilities that are awaiting to be unfolded right at this time of year. If only, in this season, we put first that person who doesn't expect to be put first. If we made the crustacean dinner party for twelve adults and four running children happen so that the four brothers could be together and the eldest brother would appreciate it more than he could say. If we finally RSVPd "'yes" to the friend's (who we hadn't seen in years party and meant to see... ages ago) party. If we were the first to invite neighbors to celebrate the first night of the holidays with both of our families via candle light.

If we brought back the neighbor's recycling bin wihout being asked and without ever mentioning the deed. And, if we continued to do small things for people even anonymously and not expecting anything in return.



In this overflowing season of everything, what I really want to remember most and take into 2011 is nothing that can be seen. It is also certainly nothing that can be tasted, heard, held or even that lights up while performing mind bending electronic tricks. Simply said, it is the mind's eye's capture of flecks of grace making it a season worth remembering.