Sometimes you know exactly what lies ahead.
”Like on Christmas Eve,” Pepper said (watching me make sausage balls, licking her lips).
“There’s a beautiful Christmas tree
And a wreath
And carolers in period costume
… And you know that Christmas is just ahead,” she concluded cheerfully.
”I guess so, Pep,” I said, taking the first batch out of the oven. “But I’m not sure we ever know exactly what’s ahead, even at Christmas.”
”What do you mean?” she replied, trying to snatch a sausage ball from the counter.
“Christmas isn’t only the manger and sausage balls and merry-making. There’s also the scary elf in the house, working his mischief and sorrow.
There’s the sadness of those who are coming untethered from time, living in an eternal present when a moment fades as quickly it has come and gone. There’s the sadness of those who are coming untethered from love.
Even if you get through Christmas with your heart mostly intact you’re looking down the gun barrel of the New Year not sure what to expect.
The New Year might hold rainbows and smiley faces in the cross-hairs
Or a rose blooming in December
But dark skies also threaten.
Sometimes the journey ahead seems – long
and the work ahead seems – daunting
when you’re thinking about what you expect
Of course sometimes the sky is all alight
And now that I think of it,
sometimes the road ahead is clear even if it’s rocky
And sometimes there is a cross in the sky
Reminding you to look ahead and move forward with fortitude and courage, generosity and an open heart. A heart that can receive love and grace. The Cross was inside the manger, you know.”
I was finally quiet.
“That was really a lot,” Pepper said. “Could I have a sausage ball now?”
I laughed. “Yes. You are good at receiving with an open heart.”
“And an open mouth,” she replied with a smile.
December 30, 2018 at 6:53 am
A thing of beauty, both in word and visuals! Thank you. ❤️
December 30, 2018 at 7:04 am
Oh, thank you! Sending love to you, dear Daphne!! Xoxo
December 30, 2018 at 7:07 am
One hates to jump to conclusions, but I sometimes wonder if Pepper is only in it for the breakfast meat. 🙂
December 30, 2018 at 7:19 am
Hahaha!! YES. Xoxo
December 30, 2018 at 7:54 am
Oh my, such a lovely, gentle, and much needed “reset” as the New Year approaches ~ Thank you
December 30, 2018 at 11:48 am
Thank you so much, Kaaren! Happy New Year!! Xoxo
December 30, 2018 at 8:10 am
Such a lovely reminder of what is important — reflection and courage.
And sausage balls.
December 30, 2018 at 11:49 am
Sausage balls bring me an unreasonable amount of joy. Maybe you too. 🙂 Thank you for being in touch, Kathi! Xoxo
December 30, 2018 at 9:48 am
Pepper and her mama continue to be such instruments of grace in its many forms, profoundly simple and infinitely complex. Thank you both for sharing your generous open hearts with your readers. Happy New Year!
December 31, 2018 at 5:45 am
Beautiful words, Jen! Thank you, Pep, for keeping us grounded in the present, reminding us to savor that sausage ball and not be so quick to worry. Happy New Year!
December 31, 2018 at 7:14 am
Thank you, dear Lyn! Worrying is what I’m best at. Worrying is what she’s worst at. It’s a relief to spend time in her company… xoxo
December 31, 2018 at 10:43 am
Curious about the cross, beautiful.
December 31, 2018 at 10:10 pm
Such beautiful words to end 2018 and to begin 2019! Thank you.
A very Happy New Year!