On the way home last night, I missed my turn and ended up going through "Christmastown USA." "Dang it," I thought. "It's going to be 9pm before I get home now." I had four hours of sleep in me, was hungry, and I was worried about one of our dogs who had been sick. Perfect. This is really great. I braked hard and braced for another shot of frustration. The cars were bumper to bumper.
People were walking in the street; even little kids. "Shouldn't they be in bed by now? It's a school night." Grrrrr. People had their headlights off so I reached over to turn mine off as well. I crept along a foot at a time. The engine and my mind wanted to go faster. I resisted and dropped the roadster into low gear. I didn’t want the motor to whine going down the hill so slow.
My face was flushed. I was hot. I rolled down the window. It was a beautiful night. Cool and crisp. How had I overlooked how pretty it was outside? I turned off the blaring radio. I could hear Christmas music playing in the distance. It was “Oh Holy Night.”
A car in the oncoming lane had their sunroof open and a little head poked through it. "Merry Christmas," he said. "Merry Christmas." This little man, of maybe four, was wishing everyone he passed a Merry Christmas. I smiled at him and waved. So stinkin’ cute.
It was in that moment, I was reminded of the true spirit of Christmas. I vowed to slow down and really appreciate the simple beauty of the season… before it passes right by me.
Savor the details.
People were walking in the street; even little kids. "Shouldn't they be in bed by now? It's a school night." Grrrrr. People had their headlights off so I reached over to turn mine off as well. I crept along a foot at a time. The engine and my mind wanted to go faster. I resisted and dropped the roadster into low gear. I didn’t want the motor to whine going down the hill so slow.
My face was flushed. I was hot. I rolled down the window. It was a beautiful night. Cool and crisp. How had I overlooked how pretty it was outside? I turned off the blaring radio. I could hear Christmas music playing in the distance. It was “Oh Holy Night.”
A car in the oncoming lane had their sunroof open and a little head poked through it. "Merry Christmas," he said. "Merry Christmas." This little man, of maybe four, was wishing everyone he passed a Merry Christmas. I smiled at him and waved. So stinkin’ cute.
It was in that moment, I was reminded of the true spirit of Christmas. I vowed to slow down and really appreciate the simple beauty of the season… before it passes right by me.
Savor the details.
