Are you ready for Christmas?

On December 7, I heard it for the first time. That question that we can't seem to help asking each other this time of year. "Are you ready for Christmas?"

My automatic response to the question has always been a litany of what I've done and not done on my get-ready-for-Christmas list. Yes, I proudly state, I have started my shopping. No, I hang my head a bit. I haven't got my tree up, finished the shopping, mailed the cards, taken baked goods to shut-ins, and the list can go on and on.

This year, the very first time I got the question, I had a new answer.

"Are you ready for Christmas, Marcia?"

"In what way? If you mean, have I done everything I'm going to do, then No. But if you mean mentally and spiritually, then Yes!" We had a great little talk then about the difference between being ready and having "it" done. I walked away from that conversation with more genuine excitement about the spiritual significance of the season and less worry about driving myself to get it all done.

So, are you ready for Christmas? If you're not, what would it take for you to be ready to open your heart to the blessings of love, peace, hope, and reconciliation? Probably not a mad dash to the mall. Maybe being quiet a few moments when you finish reading this. Maybe letting go of some of the flurry of activity. Maybe a few lungs-full of fresh air. Maybe listening to someone unburdening their heart or sharing their dreams. Chances are it is more in being instead of doing.

Be blessed!