This time of year can bring out a lot of emotions.

The hustle and bustle of readying for the holidays--baking, shopping, stuffing, packing, poofing, fluffing, etc.--can be overwhelming; yet another thing to do on top of a growing list of commitments.

While ordinarily I would say that adding to my plate is not something I actively seek (my cup often 'runneth over', as they say...) I find this Christmas hustle both calming and stress relieving. No, I don't have kids, which I know optically means my evening hours appear substantially calmer. But in reality so much of what I do on a daily basis is (often begrudgingly) focused on others it can become consuming--I am not the type of person who can let this thought and worry go when I leave; I routinely stuff my Yaris with suitcases full of baggage at the end of the day.

But at Christmas I find the extra thought--the lists of things to buy, do, give, and make--become a pleasure. They focus me; remind me of how lucky I am and how grateful I should be for the many (many) blessings in my life, however heavy the packaging that comes with. I look for ways to give more of myself. And this reminder to slow down and count these treasures in my life couldn't come at a better time. A fresh start and a new year is just around the corner. With that comes the opportunity to let it go; to give away those suitcases and remind myself of why I try as hard as I do.

Dear, 'weeble wobble' Father Jim reminded me on Monday night of the Serenity Prayer which I have promised to say to myself in the morning. This is my one and only New Year's resolution, and I share it with you.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr