On this day

What a beautiful morning this Christmas morning is. It's quiet, my front and back doors open to the chilly air. The only sound really is the crackle of the fire in the fireplace and the chattering birds outside in the trees. I took Josie and Dixie for a walk last night, each wearing one of Cheyenne's two jingle bell collars. We jingled through the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights and decorations. We walked again early this morning, a long walk, jingling all the way. The warm smell of smoke pouring from many chimneys, just perfect.

Last night, my nephew, his girlfriend, their three-year old daughter, Faith, and I went to the children's service at my church. We sang and prayed and rejoiced. I realized that was all I wanted this Christmas, to go to church with them, to watch Faith experience the thrill of worship and song on such a special night. I wore my mother's pearls and a ring my father gave me many years ago. I felt them there with us, the light in their love was clear.

This morning, my niece Catherine called and opened her gifts from me while we were on the phone. I wish I could have seen her face but the tone of her voice left me little doubt what her smile looked like.

Later today, I will visit a dear elderly friend and listen to her stories about me when I was a baby. She loves to tell those stories and I can't deny that I love to hear them. She will close her eyes, tilt her head back and chuckle to herself at the memory. I will close mine and wrap my heart around her. And later still, friends will be coming over for cooking, dinner and celebration.

This is my day, quiet and beautiful, love and long distance. It is a magnificent time, this Christmas day. I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas. And I leave you with these words:

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” -Roald Dahl