Tranquility...

"Tranquility". Such a beautiful word. "Tranquil"...free from disturbance...calm. We most often apply this term to water. We speak of calm seas, meaning that the water is still, rather than churning. It's a lovely word. It's also a state of being that I very much am seeking to grasp hold of.

This year has been difficult for everyone it seems. We have struggled more than ever with financial concerns. Our marriage has hit that seven year itch mark, meaning that we are discovering new ways to hunker down into that commitment that is meant to last a lifetime. I am deeply thankful for this year past, and the new and weightier strength of our unfaltering devotion. 

We have become more of a family unit this year than ever before. The three of us have chosen to be a family, to share the struggles and the triumphs of life. We have worked hard to find new ways of doing things, better ways to feed ourselves, as well as learning what we can do without. We are seeking "the old paths", spiritually, as well as physically. We are becoming more self-sustaining, but still with a long ways to go.

Part of my efforts in this area have involved my plans for the holiday season. My heart is crying out for tranquility...serenity...harmony. Not just the absence of turmoil, but peace and contentment through the turmoil. With that thought in mind I am doing things quite differently this year. 

Most of our gifts will be handmade. I have always made a lot of our Christmas gifts, but this year I am taking it a step further to the gifts actually being simpler, more practical. No junk that nobody is ever going to use just for the sake of giving a gift. I am approaching things thoughtfully, with practicality in mind. Gifts can be other things as well, such as words of love and blessing. I am doing Christmas cards this year, designed myself and printed off on my printer. No canned message here, but a personal message which I hope will minister to people's hearts. 

Food will make a change this year as well. In year's past I have held Christmas breakfast, wearing myself out making quiches, waffles, and other stuff for a whole crew. I will still be making those things, but this year we will not be inviting a bunch of people in to share it with us. This year will be for our own little family, just us, the kids, and the grandkids. 

I will not be attending Christmas Eve service, and am going to attempt to impress on my husband that I very much need his attention and care this year. Christmas Eve is very important to me. I want to spend it at home. I want to light candles, watch Holiday Inn, and share Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Juice and little treats. I want to fill the stockings by candlelight, accompanied by Christmas music. I want to go to bed early and be rested for Christmas morning. I want to get up and stay in my jammies, even after the kids arrive. Then I want to spend the rest of the day relaxing and being thankful for all that God has done in our lives. 

I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want to say after it's done, "Thank God, it's over!" I just don't think that is the way it should go. It's supposed to mean something...to stand for something. The birth of our Savior into this world is a momentous occasion. I want to savor that this year.

I am not a "doom-spewer", but I do believe that things are going to be getting harder in the world in the coming years. This past September showed us all that we are not immune from very large-scale disaster. I know several people personally who have lost their homes completely, with no help on the horizon for replacing them. They either had no flood insurance, or are unable to get any assistance. They are literally living with relatives for who knows how long. Life is not predictable.

God, however, is predictable. He tells us in His word exactly what He's planning to do...He's planning to never leave us or forsake us! In my plans for the holidays this year I want to honor that love...a love that gave the very best it had without reserve. So, I will say no to added parties, gift-giving, and activities.

This year I honor Jesus. Silent night...Holy night...

(I fully realize that Christmas is on a Sunday this year and some of these plans may not pan out...)