Intent.

Today is the last day of November=the Avery Christmas Explosion is halfway over. 

I need a moment of silence.  And chocolate.  And a blanket. 

Hold me. 

As usual, the season is flying by at the speed of life and I'm getting left behind.  All you folks that wait to start the season today or yesterday kill me a little.  I don't know how you do it.  You impress me with your dedication to starting Christmas after Thanksgiving.

I will not be swayed.  

You will not guilt me into waiting.  

It won't happen.  

I am thankful for Baby Jesus on Thanksgiving Day. 

And on October 26th.  

That long-expected feeling which should hold steady in my heart all year reaches it high point around this time for me.  I start missing Christmas on December 1st and I cling to my November calendar page with all my might.  Because I know once I open my hands to the twelfth month it will fly away--only to return again in 2014.  

I'm selfish with the joy this month brings me.  It reveals so much about my nature--my tendency to want to hoard my things.  My tendency to want to be greedy with my time.  The desire to bring joy to others fighting with my self-serving ego and pride.  The constant need to GO and DO and BE rather than being intentional with the moment and the gifts that are staring me in the face as I breathe.  

It doesn't have to be this hard. 

To be continued. . .