the extraordinary present

the extraordinary present

isn't that what most of us are seeking at Christmas?

we hope openly to give them to the ones we love

and perhaps, secretly, 

to receive one

I receive an extraordinary gift every day

that I choose joy and peace while grieving 

when I recall the past 

while not missing what is in front of me

when I make room for new memories 

while not denying or ignoring past ones

when I keep putting one foot in front of the other, 

seeking balance

practicing in the moments of mourning to be fully there

and learning to completely experience the wonder of "ordinary"

visiting the past, but not camping out there

looking to the future, but not waiting for it to get here

seizing opportunities 

to work

to rest

to serve

to grow 

to share

to simply be

I want my

eyes 

ears 

mind 

heart 

to always be open

to love

to laughter

to living

today,

the gift of life in Christ 
allows me to live an extraordinary present