The month of December is busy and hectic, with so many things to do. We hurry from one task to the next as though it’s a race to the finish line. But we all seem to be searching to find the joy and excitement of the Christmas season – the thrill we once had when we woke on Christmas morning and couldn’t wait to see what Santa might have brought while we slept with ears open for the sound of reindeer on the roof.

But maybe that joy and excitement is out there, just in different places waiting for us to see it. The other night I was thrilled to see a barred owl in the yard, watching over the grasses and looking for a meal. It stayed for more than ten minutes, watching me move about inside the glass doors. Today while pumping gas into my car, I saw a flock of pigeons flying in unison. They’d swoop up in the air together, then fly downward – all in one motion. And then the sun peeked from behind the clouds, and when the birds would turn in a particular direction the sun would sparkle off their wings. It was momentary and exciting.

I wish for you to find that child-like joy and excitement this Christmas season, and into the coming year. Merry Christmas!