This week, I could feel the stress building in the kids as the immense potential for food, family, time and gifts associated with Hanukkah, Christmas and a looming two week vacation converged in their minds.
I could feel it in the office and hallways as my colleagues bemoaned the need to file report cards, shop for gifts, clean homes, bake cookies, and prepare end of the year budgets converged into the reality of the date.
I could feel it in my grad students as they begged for one more day to finish an end of the semester looming assignment.
I could feel it in my family as the reality of shopping, packing, and preparing for a major-life event seemed to get closer and closer every hour.
I could feel it in my heart when I realized I needed to do a time-consuming alteration (because I had rushed even though I know better) and when I decided I was the only person in North America without a tree or decorations (just kidding, I know I am not and I know that I feel this feeling every year).
So today, even though I should be cleaning, shopping, sewing, and decorating, I am taking a moment to write and reflect. Today, I am celebrating what I know in my heart, the words Dr. Seuss so powerfully penned:
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
I am 100% sure that the Theodore's central message generalizes to Hanukkah, holiday events, unfinished craft projects, unfinished baking, and even weddings; however, we all need to remind ourselves of this (at 15 minute intervals) in the days ahead!
3 comments:
Hang on Anita! You are so right! It's coming whether we have all the "things" or not. The Grinch has wise words for use this time of year. It's a great mindset to be in as we head out today--thank you!
Anita, thanks for the reminder. Here's to finding that "little bit more" in the flurry of your week. I always tried to figure out the one thing that was important to me, take care of it, and let go of the rest. I know, easier said than done, in the middle of the stress. Glad you took the time to write and reflect today.
You wrote about this recently too, & I love the reminder, Anita. I ran around this morning doing doing & actually I'm now enjoying everyone's writing much more! Love the Grinch quote, of course Christmas doesn't come from a store! I hope you can find the time to read and maybe even nap today or tomorrow.
Post a Comment