A Spirit of...

It was late and I was home lying in my bed. The Rockefeller Center Tree had been lit. The drive to look at Christmas light displays in the community was over. I left my friends. And there I lay.

I picked up the book I read every night before I go to sleep. I read. It was a simple and pleasurable day.

Although it usually does, my mind wasn’t winding down. Yet I was completely exhausted. I debated watching a little TV. Instead, I tried an unusual outlet.

I turned on my stereo as I relaxed in the dark. Thank goodness for remote controls. I switched it to radio. I kept flipping through all of the stations looking for something I didn’t know.

I heard late night disc jockeys playing their stations’ requests. 80’s music. Rock. Even now, I was a bit surprised to hear people still call in and make requests. Tons of stations have turned into ‘round the clock Christmas music stations, while others throw in a mix to their usual playlists.

Then, there it was. A duo of guys bantering back and forth witty enough to catch my attention. I stopped surfing immediately. I was surprised. A decent radio show instead of music. It reminded me of the countless Saturday evenings my family spent listening to the radio while growing up. I smiled. Then I felt it.

I fell asleep listening to the show. I woke up to the remote falling off my pillow the next morning. I, of course, had set the sleep feature and so the radio had turned off in the night.

I felt good. The kind of good which comes from knowing you resisted doing something stupid. (That’s my secret.)

Tomorrow is the first of December and there will be many who flip, like a switch, into Christmas mode.

Now they will purchase and decorate the tree. Now they will listen to the seasonal carols. Now, for a limited time only, they will allow the Christmas spirit to permeate their souls. Kindness starts to prevail in a world full of hearts which have waxed cold otherwise.

There are years when I feel this spirit more than others. Sometimes commercialism satiates my appetite but only momentarily until I’m left feeling empty soon after.

Then there are years with the spirit of last night. When the spirit is a slow building sentiment. A sentiment based in gratitude.

Peace fills my mind and my heart in spite of my external worries. I think back to better times. I look forward to better times.

Again, I remember still and quiet can pierce and penetrate with the strength of a thousand swords.

So what do I hope for tomorrow, this first of December? May the next month be filled with less hustle & bustle and more calm & hushed moments.