I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.
Anne Frank
Looking back on this year, my heart aches for all the changes and losses. But we’re still here. I’m reminded of the time we visited Mammoth Cave. The tour guide turned out all the lights, plunging us into total darkness. Then he struck a match. That single, tiny flame lit the room.
Sometimes, the tiniest blessings can brighten our day. I was unpacking Christmas decorations, and came across one of my snow globes. When I picked it up, the music box started to play “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” Dozens of childhood memories flooded my mind.
Blessings abound. Schools are closed again in our area. I have my grandchildren two afternoons a week. I love spending time with them, though some of that time, they’re doing school work or otherwise occupied. The two older ones could have stayed home, but chose to come here. That blesses my heart.
These are tiny, match-flame blessings that light up my world. When I’m overwhelmed by the losses, I remember them and allow hope to renew in my heart. Like Anne Frank, I try not to think of the misery. I focus on the beauty that remains. What a beautiful lesson, when we know what her misery involved.
This week’s question:
What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?
Betty Thomason Owens 
Times are definitely different this year. One of my favorite Christmas traditions is being with family near and far, gathering for fellowship, love and laughter. Merry Christmas!
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Yes. That tops my list, too. It will be difficult or different for some this year. Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Almost everything about Christmas is a tradition. My large green faux tree is decorated with ornaments I’ve collected over the years. On every vacay, I headed for the Christmas store in the resort town. I have ornament going back to the 60s from my mom’s tree. I have two from my grandmother’s tree. Ceramics my Aunt Kay made: a music box dancing Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Nativity. Some ceramics my MIL made. But my favorite is a new tradition since coming to Florida. I had to get a white fake tree. So Florida. And I put all the ornaments of and representing the pets we’ve had through the years on that tree.
PS. I refused to get a mask 2020 ornament, though I saw them in stores. Bah Humbug!
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Thanks for your comment, Nike. I love those traditions. I also have ornaments passed down on my very traditional fake tree. 🙂 The white tree commemorating your pets is a great idea. RE: the mask ornament, just no. LOL
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