Happy Monday! Later today because family was here over the weekend as we celebrated our annual Polish Christmas Eve meal, Wigilia … a few days early. A weekend full of giggles, eye rolls (over dad and Papa jokes), good food, cousin reconnections, gingerbread house decorating (after some structural rehabbing), Christmas spiders hung on the tree with care, Big Bang Theory Clue, and more than a few tears over a priceless gift from my oldest Grand. This is a pic of the annual pickle hunt in the Christmas tree. Family is almost home at this point, the bedding washed and beds remade, and a different, quieter energy in the house. While I miss the other, this is okay, too.

One day last week I was in a funk, due to multiple things, none important or major. Just a funk. It was uncomfortable. It was the week of Joy of all things! But I wasn’t feelin’ it. During morning meditation, I asked God to give me a glimpse of joy, just a peek to lift me out of the funk. As I sit here a week later writing this, I can almost hear what God said at the moment of my prayer, ‘You want joy? I’ll give you joy.’

Within an hour or so, I received a text that a friend’s Grand had been born–two weeks early!–but doing great. She was there moments after her son delivered the baby at home (the homebirth was planned … just not that day.) I cried happy tears for her and what a huge, beautiful, powerful way to be released from the grip of funk!

But the joy continued.

My daughter-in-love had a good job interview that day.

I finished Christmas shopping for the last out-of-towner. Part of that shopping was stopping for a brochure at a local institution and ending up with much more–including information on opportunities for my cousin to attend its lecture series via zoom if he chooses. Made my heart happy to find a gift that kept on giving if he chose to check out the lectures.

I discovered a new independently-owned boutique in town and stopped in. While I looked at things at the front of the store, I chatted with the two young women behind the register towards the back of the store. Finally, one asked, ‘Are you from here?’ My non-Southern accent is usually a tip-off. I gave my typical answer, ‘I live here now, but I’m originally from Ohio.’ Then she asked my name. When I told her, ‘I knew I recognized your voice!!!’ I poked my head around a shelf of candles to get a better look at her, and immediately I recognized her – one of my Youth Ministry girls from ages ago! Her daughter is older now than Jennifer was when she was in my group, that’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen her. She’s a co-owner of the store. I’m not a big shopper, but it was nice finding this place for special gifts, even more so catching up with Jennifer and hearing how her folks are doing. A double-dose of joy.

My sister is witness to a challenging situation and to some extent connected, and has been frustrated, angry, and especially feeling helpless and awful for the people directly affected by some decisions being made. This has been going on for months. She texted that afternoon and said some resolutions had been made to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty of the situation at least through the winter. I’ll take Christmas miracles no matter how small they appear.

While grabbing last minute items for the gingerbread houses, I talked with a stranger about faith and the presence and belief in guardian angels. She’d been attacked by pitbulls a year or so ago and only through the intervention of neighbors–who are rarely outside–did she survive.

Again, not much of a shopper, but when I’m in the right frame of mind–and these earlier moments of joy put me there–I like being out among other holiday shoppers. I did that later that evening and knocked a few more items off my list.

Finally, I wrote out another batch of Christmas cards that night (still not done; will finish up tonight). Writing out the cards is like a little visit with these family members and friends, and even if not in person, they fill my heart with gratitude.

By the time I crawled into bed, my heart was lighter and the funk was gone.

Yesterday was the 4^th Sunday of Advent, its theme is Love. The 4^th Sunday so often falls just days before Christmas, we don’t get a full week of Love! My day of moments last week reminded me of a couple things: First, even in a funk, if I open myself up to even the smallest possibility for a mere moment of joy, it will come. Second, without the love of this 4^th week, I’d not have the means or reasons for the joy of last week. Love comes through relationships, whether family, friends or strangers.   

In these last few days before Christmas, may you experience the Hope, Peace, Joy, and especially Love of this season in whatever measure and way they come. And from my home to yours, Merry Christmas. I’ll see you next week.