In-between

But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19, 51

The anticipation. The planning. Preparation. Welcoming friends and family home. Gathering around the table. Cooking, cleaning, games, and laughter. The hub-bub is over…even while its scent lingers in persistent cookie crumbs and the glow of Christmas lights that pierce the dark.
I’m tempted to hurry up and put it all away. Pack up the décor and memories and move on to the next thing, the new year, consider goals for another decade (although I never look that far ahead!). Yet this in-between time begs attention, to not hurry through it but allow it to be. 

           Ponder these things. Mull them over. Contemplate their richness.

In a culture that tells us to hurry up and move on, may we receive the grace to linger in the in-between just a little while. How I can long for the quiet amid commotion and then avoid it when it finally comes, filling the space with busyness, thoughts of what to do next, wondering how to manage what lies ahead. The in-between calls for its own attention – to be in it for the sake of itself because it may not visit for long. 

            Ponder these things. Mull them over. Contemplate their richness

Even if your holiday is packed away, may you linger over just one more weekend. Even and especially if you are glad it’s behind you, because you have come through it and I’m glad you’re here. 

            Welcome the light and the darkness for they inform each other.
Treasure the peace – gather up the lessons from turmoil.
Embrace the joy that is hope in our grief.     
Ponder the loving moments and let them fill the space where love is lacking. 

Thank you for your companionship that fills the quiet spaces.
In this together…