Christmas Cheer
Until yesterday's PA weather hit a sunny 64 degrees, I don't think I'd ever really made a connection between my Christmas cheer and the weather. Then there's also the fact that Hope isn't home yet...but we'll put most of the 'blame' on the grey days we've had recently.
But, sunny days are here. The temp has dropped back down - but there's sunshine! I found myself chipper (even sitting in traffic). The rascals and I are the only ones awake right now and I'm looking out on a sunny day and thinking back on the Zimbabwean blue skies at Christmastime. I have to admit, it's important for me to put the proper perspective on those blue skies. While they made for great Christmas memories, they often meant significant stress for others. To give some context, typically, the lack of grey skies meant that we were in the midst of another drought. December in Zimbabwe means 'rainy season'. If the rains hadn't started in September, crops struggled and people became worried. I remember a lot of Christmas seasons where the best gift arrived when the clouds opened up and the dam overflowed.
It's funny how distance colors our memories and emotion affects our recall. When I think more deeply on the season, I remember celebration in the midst of concern and joy in the middle of worry - not just the sunshine and the warmth. Remembering those details has me taking a little more time to think and be thankful.
But, sunny days are here. The temp has dropped back down - but there's sunshine! I found myself chipper (even sitting in traffic). The rascals and I are the only ones awake right now and I'm looking out on a sunny day and thinking back on the Zimbabwean blue skies at Christmastime. I have to admit, it's important for me to put the proper perspective on those blue skies. While they made for great Christmas memories, they often meant significant stress for others. To give some context, typically, the lack of grey skies meant that we were in the midst of another drought. December in Zimbabwe means 'rainy season'. If the rains hadn't started in September, crops struggled and people became worried. I remember a lot of Christmas seasons where the best gift arrived when the clouds opened up and the dam overflowed.
It's funny how distance colors our memories and emotion affects our recall. When I think more deeply on the season, I remember celebration in the midst of concern and joy in the middle of worry - not just the sunshine and the warmth. Remembering those details has me taking a little more time to think and be thankful.
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