Dear Secret Santa,
It was after 2am before I discovered them...
After hugging the last guests good-bye and straightening up the kitchen, I headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed; there it sat, balanced on the edge of the tub where I couldn't miss it, despite the exhaustion-and-champagne-induced fog settling into my brain...the Big Blue Gift Bag. Huh? Where did that come from?
I forgot all about bed. Pulling aside the white tissue paper, I found them...six beautiful, soft, sparkling-white, brand-spanking-new bath towels.
I cried. Now, you might try to blame that on the exhaustion and champagne, but in truth, even now...this minute...it overwhelms me to the point of tears that you were that generous, that thoughtful...and that sneaky!
Tom and I have racked our brains trying to figure out who you are, but honestly, there are too many possibilities. Going down our guest list, we realize we have many, many generous, thoughtful and, potentially, sneaky friends.
So thank you, thank you, thank you, dear Secret Santa, whoever you are. I just wanted to let you know how much your gift meant to me...and that you've inspired me to be more generous and thoughtful in this new year.
On this first day of 2010, I feel truly blessed.
Much love,
Barbara
Finding those towels was an amazing way to end a wonderful evening surrounded by friends - a great mixture of ex-classmates and local friends. Nothing fancy...no fireworks...but lots of food and laughter.
This first day of 2010 has been a beautiful day - about as perfect, weather-wise, as a winter day in Texas can be. I slept late and have spent more time indoors than I should have, but Tom and I took the critters for a walk and I'm about to head back outside to soak in more sunshine and ponder this new year.
I rarely make resolutions, but this year is an exception. I feel like I've slipped away from my goal of Balance...remembering the trinity within myself that reflects the Holy Trinity...my physical, mental and spiritual parts. With those in mind, this year I'm going to take better care of myself, especially trying to stay on track with exercise, eating right and getting enough sleep. I'm going to be more disciplined in my writing: finishing my book is top priority, but now that I've found a way to make a little money blogging, I don't feel guilty spending time on it, as well. And I'm hoping to enter writing competitions along the way.
I've got to get more organized around the house...I realize all of these projects-in-waiting get in the way of my peace of mind. I need to stop procrastinating, learn to plan ahead and just get things done.
But none of these things can get in the way of my spiritual life...my relationship with God. I need to spend time reading...challenging myself...learning and growing...and also doing...helping others...being more thoughtful and considerate (like my Secret Santa)...more giving of myself, my gifts, my time. And I need to keep my eyes open, to be more aware of his work and my blessings.
No matter what it is at any given moment, I'm going to try to put my whole self into it. Too often I split myself between too many things...my mind is wandering instead of focusing on whatever I'm working on...multitasking has gotten out of control. (Wish me luck on this one! I have a feeling it's going to be my toughest challenge!)
That's probably enough for now...probably too much. Maybe instead of too many goals I should just say I'll take each day as it comes with gratitude and a goal to do my best that day, to look to God to guide me to be the best 'me' I can be, to ask him to use me for his purpose. (But I sure hope finishing my book is part of his plan!)
Wishing all of you a blessed 2010! Happy New Year!
