Monthly Archives: December 2023

The Day After: Aftermath, or Afterglow

26 Tuesday Dec 2023

Posted by in Reflections

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, ,

With a blissful nothing on my calendar, mid-morning in my pjs, and a third cup of coffee, I am thankful – so thankful, for all blessings. Today, my favorite day of the year, the day after Christmas, holds the blessing of time – time to reflect and appreciate the gift of people in my life. Even with the sadness of those no longer here, I’m grateful for their presence in Christmases past. I look at the presence and presents as well, of those who share life with me now, and wonder, how could I be SO blessed?! I’m also thankful for hope of next year; maybe if I try, try, try, I can spend time more efficiently, be a better gifter, and be a planning pro – oh well, one can hope. For starters, I will drop the vision of an elaborate awe-catching Christmas cake! Why do I do that to myself when all they want is a Cherry-O-Cream Cheese Delight on a bought crust! I’ll make three of them next year. Oh the trauma of aftermath!

My sister says this is not her favorite day as she is only thinking of the job lying ahead – “taking it all back down”. I myself, am ignoring a mountain of laundry, dishes to wash, boxes, bows and bothers to put away. Many are back to work. (Thank you Lord, for retirement.) Some are heading to the gym to work off their regrets. And most sadly, some feel the aftermath of those missing from their seats; of disease stricken bodies; of houses in shambles from the strike of disaster. I’m reminded my day of bliss is only temporary. However, in this afterglow, in spite of scraps of wrapping paper floating in and out from under the furniture; in spite of the bulging refrigerator of left-overs; in spite of fatigue and expanding waistlines, it is my favorite day.

I spent a good bit of time this morning in my troupe of snowmen, naming each one’s giver, or what occasion coerced my purchase, and enjoyed their smiling faces as they welcome the newcomers. I’ve turned on the lighted ones, the snow globes, and played the music boxes, and silently thanked each friend and family member who gifted them to me.

The aftermath of cleaning up, clearing out, and taking down, will have to wait. I am basking in the afterglow of love, gifting and good cooking. As I enjoy another sausage ball and one of my sister’s amazing coconut balls, I watch my fur baby doing it best. He is stretched out sound asleep, arm over a new toy, watched over by three snowmen and topped off by an over-looking “Blessed” pillow. These are my ‘aftermath’ sentiments exactly, in symbolic form of course; overstuffed and tired, but contented, protected and blessed.

Our Christmas tree seems not to notice the unwrapped gifts, nor the unwound energy of its people. It stands as shining and pretty as ever, reminding me to keep on – to be as generous and cheerful each day of the coming year, as I am in the midst of our best Christmas days. I realize this has always been my favorite day; remembering and appreciating, both the aftermath, and the afterglow.

As a dear friend says in her signatures, “Blessings”, to you and yours!  Love ya, Trisha

With No Regrets

10 Sunday Dec 2023

Posted by in Encouragement, Faith

≈ 3 Comments

“…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14)

Begin with anticipation, not anxiety; end with reflection, not regrets.

I read a devotional message this morning which reminds us to have the objective in life of finishing the race in a way that glorifies God. But not without releasing ourselves from the past, including anything that weighs us down. I realized that in not only our faith, but in all of life’s endeavors, we need objectives. From a first grade teacher’s lesson plans to the post-graduate’s continuing education, objectives are necessary. Goals toward bettering oneself or community, improving methods and understanding, increasing wealth, deepening knowledge and faith; these are possible goals or objectives we may find to be our focus.

I enjoy writing on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons; reflective of the week passed, and hopeful for the coming week. Similarly, with bedtime prayers we ask forgiveness of sins, that our prayer will be heard and live in hope for the coming day. Whether a day from now or a week, or five years, we need objectives to propel and guide. Last week my friend Linda sent a quote to me. It stated no amount of regrets will change the past; no amount of anxiety will change the future; and any amount of gratitude will make the present better. Like Paul said, forget the past and keep the objective ever before us. With thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6-7)

If you’re like me you try to end each evening with a prayer. Often mine are asking for absence of regret; reflecting on the needs of the future; but always with thanksgiving.

Sharing with my children this morning, the subject of objectives, and its connection to the verses in Philippians, I told them objectives won’t fly if tethered to regrets. I’m learning to let go of the past, press on toward the goal, and in all, to be thankful. As I write, I realize gratitude and prayer have indeed transported me from a residence of regret, to one of, well, time share, perhaps. (smile) While I am not totally free of crying over spilled milk, I am totally free of guilt. The less I cry, the clearer I see objectives. The more I rid my heart of ‘woulda shoulda coulda’ space, the more room I have to embrace a future full of hope and gratitude. My goal? To get rid of that time share and never darken the doors of regret again. I believe we call that Heaven.

Reflect on each day enough to evaluate, and keep or adjust worthy objectives. Anticipate the needs of meeting those, with faith that God will supply your every need. Set your objectives with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God, even with the mistakes you make, as you accept His forgiveness and grace. Living with no regrets, because Jesus has washed them away, is the freedom He bought for you with His blood on the cross. To cling to regrets is to refuse Him. I pray you will seek Him, accept Him, and through His blood, live regret-free. Trisha