Last Night's Performance

The lights were not as bright as they usually are any other day. But the Candle Light Services typically are muted to capture the essence of the event/s. The seats were filled, many dressed in their festive favorites; a lot of red, green and gold. The air was crisp from a cold front that had recently settled into the area. All the pathways were lit by candles in white bags to add an air of festivity. The choir was primed, the pastors ready to share the spirit, the ushers greeting from the heart. The night was awaiting what the coming together of a season of love and sharing.

To those not familiar with the obtuse references, I am speaking of a Christian church at Christmas eve service. But I feel that it applies to many a situation of holiday or celebration event. Some details are germain to this situation, yet many may be substituted to realize another environment altogether. What rises above the details to me is the community and heartfelt participation of those involved. With the celebration of this and many holidays, it occasions our focus upon something bigger and more important than our individual lives and the nest we build around them.

These environments of our own creation, in our own worlds, are none the less valuable or diminished by an outward focus. In fact I would argue that ideally it is just the opposite - that the outward focus brings our 'circle' of life to a more settled and open state. But, the point I hope might be mulled over more than others is the one that says, 'what am I missing', 'how am I/ We omitting the more important meaning...', 'are those around me seeing things differently, and why might that be?' ...

The questions of life that we, or at least I, so often walk right past without pause. Without recognizing their importance it leaves me devoid of growth, community, inclusion, acceptance, and so on. How is it that we keep pushing our live on at such a pace that we omit much of the meaning behind it? Are we swept up in the details to excess? Or maybe just that we are challenged to the point of overload in handling the moments of our days. No matter what the reason behind the omission of meaning, the meaning is still there to be dealt with at every turn. Whether we accept it or nay, it remains in tact.

So the big question I ask is just why are we avoiding the deeper meanings that make life richer, crisper, and much more meaningful? The safety of controlling what we have stable at the moment may be more important to our survival, our maintenance, or need to remain on target. Our ability to handle the package that comes with challenging our values and beliefs (meanings), may simply be too much to approach. BUT, without challenging them, are we really capturing the spirit behind the celebrations, holidays, and the 'ah ha!' moments?

So as many coaches have shared with me over the years, expect your skills at _______ to come and grow as you practice and exercise them. Well, this is my holiday hope for all of you; please consider the challenge of opening your mind, emotions, bodies, and heart to the explorations of differences. You choose the details of what those differences may be, and how they fit into your walk upon this earth, but consider the gains that lie in wait for your fuller perspectives and understandings. So much to be gained, and lowly so much that often is missed.

Happy Holiday!