Did you get what you want? I’m not talking about gifts and presents; I’m talking about expectations. There are so many things tied to the holidays besides its true meaning – family, vacations, feelings of romance as well as exchanging gifts. We all hold to certain aspects that are special to us - something that says, “It’s Christmas.”
I was delighted when one of my friends told me her girls said Christmas starts when they come to my home to make cookies. For me, it‘s family gathered at my parent’s home. But there are other traditions that I hold dear – walking together with hot coffee to enjoy the Balboa lights, the smell of a real tree, finding that perfect gift for someone, connecting with friends.
The “day after” can tell me a lot. Am I happy, content and enjoying a relaxing day to recharge? Or is there a little bit of regret – something I missed that I might not have even realized I was seeking?
The older I get, the more the connections matter. If I sense something or somebody missing, I want to use that feeling to pursue a change. Maybe I need to call someone. Or rearrange my calendar to find some space to get together. Maybe it’s that I was too busy and need time to reflect. That will take some change as well. Or maybe I just need to change expectations.
After all the busyness of the season, there can be a let down. In an organized moment, I might take the time to make a note of things I don’t want to forget next year and actually write it on my calendar. But I hope the “day after” syndrome will help me do more than that. I will listen to my heart and use it as a guide and motivation for the changes I want throughout the next year.
As a let go of the trappings, regroup and recharge, I can make healthy and appropriate rearrangement to my life. But even so, there will always be some disappointment, in myself or circumstances around me. I'm grateful there is One who will never disappoint; One who truly speaks to my heart. He will guide me in ordering my day and in setting my goals and priorities. Yes, the One whose incarnation we just celebrated. He is surely faithful and will be with me in this coming year.
Do you carry some disappointment today? What is your heart saying “the day after”? Are there changes to be made? There is One who is faithful, who never disappoints, and He calls us toward each other in love.
If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is. 2 Timothy 2:13
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