It shouldn’t take a roadblock to appreciate the destination

Snow is on the ground and the holidays are on their way. The season can be overwhelming as calendars fill, to-do lists pile up and bank accounts run low. 

The days are dark and cold, stores are busy, and sometimes it just seems easier to stay inside.

Sometimes things happen that make us rethink our place in the world. Unfortunately, it’s usually the tragedies, the heartbreaks, that cause reality to come harshly into focus. Misfortune can make us realize that things like finding the perfect gift and hosting the perfect party aren’t actually all that important. 

But blessings offer an equally potent message, if we’re receptive enough to recognize it. 

Friends have recently demonstrated these lessons for me by sharing personal anecdotes. One told the story of losing a family member, another said she gained two. 

It’s unfortunate that we often need to conquer a roadblock before we’re able to get ahead.

So at Christmas this year, it may be impossible to avoid the hustle and bustle or to cut down on shopping lists and errands. But let’s remember the true spirit of the season. Let’s cherish each peaceful moment, though they may be few and far between. 

Let’s take any excuse we can to appreciate the positive in all our lives – friends, family, community, health, happiness.

And let’s reach out to those around us, because as difficult as the holidays are for us, it’s likely there’s someone nearby who’s facing a greater struggle.