Today was my first day back at work having been afforded the last two and a half weeks off for vacation. It was so nice to spend time at home with my family in my cocoon of serenity. Miss Bee returns to school tomorrow. So, it will be back to early mornings, making breakfast and hurrying out the door. Christmas decor is, for the most part, put away but a pile of “other” stuff sits mocking me to make a decision as to its final resting place.
I am always conflicted the first part of January. A part of me is glad to put Christmas away for the next year and simplify. But, it’s also bittersweet because it’s time to stop listening to Christmas music (since it’s been on Pandora since November 1), the fun parties are over and the “spirit” of friendliness and cheer subsides. The unstructured vacation and relaxation is over, back to the routine.
But, there are a lot of things I look forward to…. like organizing, re-grouping, cleaning and getting back into a routine. See how that can be a positive, too?
One thing that never changes, is the love God has for me. His calming nature is all around me if I will just stop long enough to recognize and acknowledge it. I can choose to get worked up that my calendar is filling up again after a self imposed vacation, or I can take one day at a time and just roll with it. When I saw the quote from Ann Voskamp in my inbox this morning — “Today, I am going to be a prayer warrior, not a panicked worrier” it was a reminder that I can make many choices today. I can choose to remember the quiet I experienced during the last few weeks and keep it for the days and weeks to come. I can remember to be more gentle with my teen when she is cranky and moody. The quiet did her good this past few weeks. I saw her funny, relaxed, inclusive, childlike side return — which made me realize that her stressful demeanor is coming from how hard she works at school trying to make great grades and please her parents.
This week I will be sharing things I always do every January to jump start my new year and a few things I would like to try this year. And, of course, we will hear from Haute Holley later this week, along with a few good recipes I have tried out recently.
Have a blessed day my friends. I really do appreciate each and every one of you taking the time to visit my blog and share it with others.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
