My mind is swirling with to-do lists, plans and contemplations. My focus today will be on the to-do lists — ticking off my to-dos and creating to-dos for others both at work and at home. But my mind bounces to other thoughts as I think about our plans and what’s ahead.

It occurred to me that I’ve rarely been away from home for this length of time. When I moved three years ago, I was between homes for two weeks and that happened once before about 15 yrs ago. I’ve never been away on vacation for more than a week and the number of one week vacations have been few. I’m happy to be away from work for an extended period, but concerned about the difficulty in returning to work when it’s over!

I’m also thinking about the privilege of being able to take this trip. I haven’t had opportunities like this in the past and I’m soooooo grateful! I thank God for raining down blessings on me — my cup overflows. I’d also like to thank Mom & Dad S and Capital One (airfare reward) for helping us make it happen!

I realize that holidays and vacations are temporary. I do. There are moments in them, when I pause and wish it could last. But it doesn’t, so I take some snapshots and hold on to the memories. When Adam and Eve sinned and got kicked out of the Garden, we were all sentenced to toil. Well, I’m back to the toil.

It’s not just back to work, though. It’s back to the routine of my life. I loved having my children gathered together for Christmas and then for a wedding. I also loved having my significant other in the mix. It was happy FAMILY time and it was so relaxed! I knew the let down was coming — it was inevitable. I wake up alone, go to work, plan the evening as the day progresses — Your house or mine? What’s for dinner? What’s on TV? Then I go to bed alone.

The pleasant pause left me wanting more, you see. I started thinking ahead to more family gatherings, more togetherness with my guy. I want PLANS! I want to look FORWARD. Instead, I find myself in exactly the same spot with exactly the same uncertainty about the future. I’m thinking of lots of possibilities, but it seems a little futile.

The daily ordinary will not be satisfactory for long. It has to be exchanged for a daily purpose.

It’s so easy to complain and it’s often tempting to wallow in melancholy. I admit that I tend to process and write more when I’m there. Contentedness can seem kind of ordinary and not particularly noteworthy. Well, when I contemplate my life, it’s actually not so ordinary at all! So, let me pause and process some bliss. Yes, bliss. What a great word!

I am truly blessed this Christmas season. My needs are met and even exceeded. My children are maturing and excelling. I’m so proud of the adults that they are and the close bond we have. One of them will be married next week — MARRIED! I can hardly believe it. A new phase of life for all of us. I’m deeply in love with an amazing man. The past year has not played out the way that I thought it would, but I know that the twists and turns of this journey are all part of God’s plan. Our relationship is stronger than ever and I feel more secure in his love. I’m confident that the year to come will be bring big changes and great joy! Our God works in ways we cannot see and he is faithful.

I’m excitedly anticipating the holidays surrounded by my loved ones. I can’t wait to hug them, hang out with them, eat lots of good food and watch them open my gifts!

Contended indeed . . . even blissful. Big smiles, teary eyes and a very warm heart.

I was wondering recently who would want to pay any attention to what I have to say. There is so much noise in the cyber world and I’m kind of tired of hearing so many voices. I have a lot of entries to this world, but the one I check most frequently is facebook. So MUCH noise! I would avoid it all together, except there is stuff that I want to know. So, I slog through the clutter to pick up the bits that I want. The sense I’ve been getting from the noise lately is competition. It seems like so many people feel the need to promote themselves, good and bad. I’m godly; I have great kids; I have money; I more miserable than you; I’m witty; I’m smart; I’m politically active; I have a great body; I’m busy and on and on. It tempts a constant comparison and I’m just don’t want to go there.