Posted by Dena on December 15, 2003, at 10:25:21
... especially when you keep reading posts that you'd love to respond to!
Wow - things have changed around here since I was blocked 8 weeks ago. Hardly any of the folks who were posting then are still here, & new folks have shown up. Welcome, to all who've found a place to connect here!
I've been touched by Tovah's insights, & moved by Dinah's struggle with her Sunday school class. It's been an interesting exercise to read others' posts, & want to chime in, but instead to not participate. Glory be, the world continues to revolve without my input! ;)
I haven't read any mention of Christmas lately (or, I think there was one mention). Is that because the secular consumerism aspect of Christmas is a turn off? Or is it because the unfulfilled high expectations of this season bring about a sense of depression?
I usually experience a seasonal depression when the days get short (& daylight savings time brings sunset so early), & the cold weather prevents me from getting as much fresh air. This year, my doctor is weaning me off of an antidepressant - I've been on them for so long, I don't even know whether or not I'm still depressed. Christmas day will be my first drug-free day, after the weaning process. I'm certainly hoping I don't crash!
I walk a tightrope every Christmas - I want to celebrate it as a spiritual day - it's the day of my Savior's birth! But I feel so pressured to "do Christmas" like the world does - all the presents, the have-to affairs & parties, the decorating, the baking, the Christmas cards, the crafts... it gets overwhelming, & definitely un-peaceful.
I'd love to cut back on all of the activities, but it's so hard when my children have grown accustomed to the flurry. It bothers me how Jesus gets lost in the hustle & bustle. Of all days of the year, this one should be about Him.
I saw a wonderful little snow-globe the other day. It had a tiny manger, with baby Jesus inside of it. Next to the manger, Santa Claus was kneeling in adoration. It reminded me that Santa Claus is really a modern fable based on Saint Nicholas of Turkey, a 4th century Archbishop (more about him can be learned at: http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19981101/SAINTS/nicholas.htm).
That's all that's on my mind right now. I'm glad to be "back". Hopefully I'll learn how to write without putting my feet in my mouth. If not, I guess I get blocked for a year next time...?
Shalom, Dena
poster:Dena
thread:289997
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030908/msgs/289997.html