When thinking several days ago about what my plans for Christmas Day would be, I decided I’d leave town right after sunrise and drive in another uncharted direction of our State, but when finding a light misty sort of sleet coming down as I was driving to office, I decided it wouldn’t be any sort of safe or pleasant road trip, so I decided to stay in town and find something else to do.
I did manage to chase down one of the two people I was looking for yesterday, just so I could head over and hand deliver a Christmas card and small gift. We did have a short chat before I bid my farewell, but unfortunately I ended up not being able to get in touch with the last recipient, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
For whatever reason, for the first time ever, I decided to go on the websites of the various churches here in the city, and view their online Christmas Eve Services. I didn’t watch their videos in their entirety, but rather did some fast forwarding where I’d listen to a few sermons, some music, along with getting a good look at how they had their churches decorated for Christmas. I’d say the one that impressed me the most, was St. John’s Episcopal Church which is in our downtown. I’m actually surprised there aren’t more people attending that church because it has a cozier spirituality to it, unlike some of the big churches here which are just took big for my taste. I found it surprising to see some of those churches which I know have big organs, yet they were having piano music played for Christmas. What’s up with that?
After getting an overdose of church services, I decided to change into my work clothes and get some more work done on my project, so about three hours later, it was time for me to call it quits and head back to office.
Before heading home, I sat down at my piano and practiced for a good forty-five minutes, and most of what I was playing, were very old European Christmas hymns which likely very few people have ever heard, and the reason I enjoy playing them, is because they’re all contained in a music book my long-deceased sister so loving gifted me. She actually penned a note in the front cover saying she’ll be excited to hear me play them then next time she’d be home for a visit. Well, unfortunately she never did get that opportunity, but I’m sure she was listening to me from above while I was playing them this afternoon. Yes, she was a dear one.
In spite of it being a gloomy day, I dare say it ended up better than I was expecting after having to suddenly change my plans, which served as a reminder that we must always make the best of any plans that have to be cancelled or side-tracked.
I know there’ve been those who think I’ve become anti-holiday since my mother’s passing, but in truth, I simply decided it best to treat holidays as I like instead of having those feelings of being enslaved to family holiday customs. Yes, there were some good times over those many years, but there were others which I now wish I’d never attended, and only because they were all for show and nothing else. I’m sure all of you know such people who make so much fuss over their holiday get-togethers to where they’re wound up tighter than rubber bands, and only because they have to prove to their guests how much effort went into their ‘shows’. Yes, the atmosphere in such homes are so thick at times, you can cut it with a knife. No thank you very much!
Tonight’s One-liner is: When you disrespect an empath, you’re going to feel it because all of that warmth, caring and love, is going to vanish.
