MERRY CHRISTMAS: SLOWING DOWN

Granddaughter Iysa and cousin Leah

Granddaughter Iysa and cousin Leah

A friend wrote to me, This week, we laid a family friend to rest; it was a sudden and unexpected passing. The Reverend’s sermon was, in short, Life is a Gift.  This is something that I know to be true; however, I have not been true to it: rushing, being busy and distracted. Her sermon to me was SLOW DOWN and focus on the present.

My reflection: It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of this season, busily trying to accomplish our to-do list and allowing ourselves to be distracted. This is one of the few times during the year (maybe the only time) that people pause and schedule time with family and friends.

Today’s Promise to consider: I will enjoy this time with family, friends or quietly by myself. Life can be a roller coaster, but today I will slow down and focus on what is important and who is important. These global pauses happen infrequently and I will cherish them.

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Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

Lysa and Leah look like they are having so much fun! Enjoy them while you can. And, that looks like exactly what you’re doing! I didn’t enjoy my son and grandson like I should have. I wish I would have made more time for them. I was too busy with work overload and found out too late that the work would have gotten done either way, and it wasn’t as important as my family. The time I could have spent with my son and grandson, could have made a difference. I’ll never know. It’s something I’ll regret, but my prayers help me so much, and I cherish all the good memories of my son and grandson.

We always think we’ll have time to spend with them tomorrow, the next day or the next. I wish I would have had more time.

It’s so important (like Libby says) to slow down and focus on what is important and who is important.

Today, I will promise to spend more time with the people who are important. Like my husband. He needs it, too.

I hope you all have a happy, healthy new year in 2014. Jeff….I pray that you will have .another year to add to your sobriety. May your guardian angel guide you and those who are addicted.

With lots of love and a new year full of happiness and joy.

Barbara

Libby Cataldi
10 years ago

Dear Barbara,

Thanks for your reflection. I, too, am guilty of rushing through life, not pausing to savor those special moments. Thanks for the specific reminder to take time now while we have it because there could come a time that it’s gone, like ice on glass, sliding away from us in an unexpected or unplanned way. You’ve lived through many tragedies and your faith is a constant beacon of love and support.

As we end this year, I thank you for being a part of my life.

With love and respect,

Libby

pat nichols
pat nichols
10 years ago

I really enjoyed this reminder and all the wisdom from Barbara’s post.

Blessings and continued prayers in the coming new year.

Whappy new Year to everyone.

Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

Dear Libby,

I want to thank you for being a part of life, too. The blog you created, and the people who participate here, have given me the courage and strength to move on with my life, no matter what happens. It is you who created this wonderful place for parents (and addicts, too) to come and share their stories so we may all learn from them. I’ve used their knowledge during my healing process and it’s proven to be invaluable to me. I’m so thankful you started this forum. It’s helped so many people, and all of it is because of you.

You’ve been through your own tragedies and thank God your cancer (hopefully) is still in remission. I pray for you every day. There are lots of people who need you, Libby. You are so special to me, and I know that many others feel the same way.

Happy New Year to you and your entire family. May 2014 be a healthy and prosperous new year for you.

Thank you for all of your kind words.

With lots of love and much respect,
Barbara

Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

Dear Pat,

I wish you a Happy New Year, too! I’ve appreciated all of your posts and look forward to more of them!

God Bless you,
Barbara