A chilly Bolivia, air hovered through our tiny, dark
bedroom as my six-year old brother and I, only a year older, slipped out of bed.
We grabbed our coats and put on our shoes. Without heat in our old home, wearing
coats inside was as normal as the Spanish we spoke.
But this morning was different; it was Christmas. We dashed off to the small
living room where we had left our old pair of shoes the night before. No
Christmas tree, no decorations or frills in our home. But, following tradition,
Baby Jesus promised to leave one present atop the shoes. Some years, we’d find
nothing but new underwear, other years we’d find new socks. The gift itself
wasn’t our focus, but the fact the one, solitary item was brand new made us
squeal with joy.
And then one Christmas, one special Christmas, I lifted the package lying on my
shoes. As always, it was wrapped in newspaper. I tore through it, held my
breath, and there it was—a doll with large brown eyes peeking at me. I grabbed
it from the box, clutched it against my chest and inhaled the aroma. Even though
it smelled of plastic, it sent a wave of delight through me.
Those days flicker memories of the simple life, uncomplicated and easy. It was a
life lacking in material possessions, but one rich with appreciation for small
things.
Events turned the pages of each year. As I grew up in America, life changed.
Prosperity visited our marriage, we hurried to indulge our children and we began
accumulating stuff. Life became easier, but far more complicated. Gifts cost
more and their purchase rang urgent. Eventually, our wants turned to nagging
needs. Sadly, what we cherished as children now painted a sorrowful scene. And
the peace each Christmas season had previously brought subtly ushered tension
instead.
But, as weather changes and seasons offer variety, this writer believes we can
also change by taking a step back to the simpler life, easier routine and
lighter burdens.
Let’s ask our children to list the things they already have before jotting their
wants for Santa. Cross off your list a few social gatherings and replace them
with quiet moments, long enough to savor the calmness that screams to be heard,
to relish in the sound of quiet that was forgotten in a blaring world. And, most
importantly, long enough to hear God whisper, “Be still and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
What a revelation! We know He’s God, but do we know He’s God over the shaky
economy, the uncertainty of the world and the future of our jobs? And it’s in
that moment of quiet reflection that His truth lights our life brighter than any
star in the silent night.
In that silence, I dared to toss the glitter aside and placed my shoes out. And
not surprisingly, I found the one gift, meaningful and vital to life: gratitude.
I clutched it tight; revelling in a new appreciation of what surrounds me. Even
in blindness, I can see the world with more passion and gusto. Knowing who is
God, gratitude lifted my veil of gloom as it shone emphasis on what I can do,
what I have, on the treasures that enrich my life, and on the potential that is
yet to be explored. Most of all, the spirit of gratitude sparked soothing
contentment, trickled in joy, and rekindled the beauty of hope.
My wish for you is that you take a look at the simpler season—Jesus did—a manger
housed his birth, but His life determined our destiny. This Christmas, leave out
your shoes. The gift you find might determine a more profound outlook, yet
simpler and uncomplicated.
Janet Eckles jeckles@cfl.rr.com www.janetperezeckles.com
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