Waking early I want to catch the sunrise on the beach. As I walk the path leading to the ocean, in the distance I can hear the waves slapping the shore. The walking path is soft and there is a gentle quietness amongst the trees. My steps linger as my toes sink into the cool soft sand. I stop to savor the moment before entering the great view of the ocean. I can feel the breeze caressing my hair, and my senses pick up the faint aroma of coconut oil. The light of dawn awakens the tree tops leaving shadows on the sand.

All my life I miss the moments that lead up to the main event. I am either too stressed, too anxious, or too rushed to realize the peace, joy and contentment that unsuspectingly unfolds leading up to the expected grandiose happening.

If you are like me, our Christmas can even happen this way. We dream, we plan, we prepare, all the while we miss the smiles on other shoppers faces, the opportunity to thank the Bell Ringers, and we totally miss being in reverent communion with God while remembering his precious gift. His Son.

Join me in purposely soaking in and lingering in those treasured moments, before the blessed celebration.