Once in a while everyone comes to a point when they have to just step back and as my friend Rhonda says, “close the gate”. My “closing the gate” may not be the same but, I’m finding I need to step back for a bit.
We’ve had a few challenges that have set us on our heals and seriously shaken us to the core leaving us both feeling very hurt and emotionally battered. I’m finding its become unstoppable, like a huge wave, flowing into and affecting all other aspects of our lives. We both are having a difficult time focusing or sleeping. I’m having a difficult time maintaining commitments I’ve made. As a moderator on the Down_To_Earth Forum (I haven’t been able to do for a week) and the Ruby e-zine article I’m 2 weeks late with. Both are such wonderful & joyful places to be a part of.
With a lot of prayer, & supporting each other we’re taking baby steps to move forward but, needing to let some things go, at least for a little while.
We have for the past 10 years co-chaired what is called the Advent Project at our parish. To our family this project is our Christmas, interviewing those in need, coordinating sponsors with recipients of a pantry restock & gifts of clothing & toys for children. This year we have scaled back and only have 50 families sponsored. When we found ourselves making comments such as, let’s just get through this year we knew we had to make a few personal changes. Everything else we do is set aside for now as this needs to be done with a good spirit & joy in our hearts. Anything less would not be right and in fact be a disservice.
Tomorrow night is Advent Eve for us, all the groceries & gifts will be brought to church and Saturday morning will be delivery day.
So, we’re stepping back …. and closing the gate on everything for a bit, trying to find our balance.
