It’s “JOYFUL SUNDAY” …the 3rd week of Advent…when the pink candle is lit…only one more candle to light! I confess, when I’ve been at mass the last two weeks, and the advent candle was lit, instead of praying, I was gasping to myself… “Oh my, Christmas is coming fast… so much to do… decorating, shopping, wrapping, party planning… goodness… TIME, please slow down.”

It is always my goal to prepare for Christmas early, so that I can enjoy all of the CHRIST-mas blessings as they unfold. At some point along the way, I surrender to the fact that everything does not and will not be perfect. It’s like that saying, “Keep your eye upon the donut, not upon the hole.” I should stay focused on the precious present in all of its goodness, not on what I don’t have. Adam and Eve made the same mistake, instead of staying focused on the donut… all of the fruit of the garden, they remained focused on the hole, the only apple they couldn’t have.

In looking back at my life this year, I have lots to be JOYFUL about! My husband and I traveled to Patagonia and delighted in exploring the Andes Mountains, with incredible glaciers and waterfalls. I was gratified to help one of OLC’s largest groups of teens prepare for their Confirmation, in a time where the Catholic Church is struggling worldwide. I felt elated when my daughter finally got married this summer and her husband’s two sons became my grandsons! I experienced the blissfulness of being told that my daughter was going to have a baby! My siblings and I experienced happiness on a “retreat” with our Mom to a resort on a mountain in Utah. I was blessed to bike 2,000 miles, soaking in God’s beauty in nature. I opened myself up to talk with strangers at church who now hold a special place in my heart. I’m satisfied with my Christmas decorating and gifting where I can now enjoy good tidings! Often my joy came only after much effort, sacrifice, disappointments and struggles. Yet, God wants me to center on being joyful. So, it’s time to “focus on the donut, not the hole.” May you enjoy a blessed Christmas season!