“In the space between stimulus (what happens) and how we respond, lies our freedom to choose. Ultimately, this power to choose is what defines us as human beings. We may have limited choices but we can always choose. We can choose our thoughts, emotions, moods, our words, our actions; we can choose our values and live by principles. It is the choice of acting or being acted upon.” ― Stephen R. Covey
Life transitions are like switching rails on a train track and can make our journey much more favorable. For some reason our human tendency is to stay with the familiar even when sometimes the familiar is destructive and limiting. Jesus in Matthew 6:25 admonishes us not spin our wheels worrying about food, drink and clothing while calling us to transition to a higher level of spiritual consciousness. He must have had a glimpse into the 21st century where we have settled into self-centered stagnant consumption of media stimulus, ravenous use of planet resources and out of control consumerism. Jesus unapologetically calls us to transition to a trajectory toward a more satisfactory life balance that centers on inner peace and tranquility. Choices are made rapid fire every day and the consequences of those choices often shadow us for a very long time to come. We would do well to pay attention to the switching rail opportunities in our lives. Opportunities dictated by true values and principles.
Christmas is a switching rail of sorts. Christmas is about BIRTH. Birth is forward looking and hopeful. As we celebrate the birth of the obscure cradle child we are reminded newness is birth. Even a new absence or new departure is a birth and is full of potential for growth. The joy in the smile of a child is birth and the warm embrace of a wounded traveler embodies new mercies, new connection and new grace. This Advent season may we look not so much for new stuff on December 25th but rather look for new birth in our present journey. Since life is all about switching and transition may our Christmas season offer a Spirit filled, Christlike wonder glittered with hope, optimism and joy-filled unwrapping of each new present called TODAY. Switching is transition, is new and is prompted by YOU.
May the sacred intent and true spirit of Christmas abide with you throughout this BIRTH celebration season.
