Let it Be Done to Me

Christmas is near. A pocket of December hours finds me pondering the year’s highs and lows. It was largely a series of pains that seemed to drag on. In terms of literal wakefulness, it was truly long since I averaged four hours of sleep nightly. Did I accomplish more, learn more, frightfully awake as I was? Was I fruitful? Good gracious, no. I was a mess. Was there beauty in the dry season? If I squint, I remember glimmers. Persistent unrest, weight loss, disconnection, self-absorption, irritability, shame, and emotional weirdness were faithful companions. I’m old enough to respect the mystery so I don’t need or deserve closure to transcend this chapter. I only need to transcend.

Hello Lovely's white paper bag snowflake holiday garland on fancy staircase for 2023. #snowflakegarland #papersnowflakes #paperbagsnowflakes

Desert Whispers Away from Snow

Were I not in the land of saguaro forests and stillness, I am sure I would be studying the wonder of snowflakes on the prairie. While the cold disturbs my health, the snow stirs my senses, calms me, and draws me into sacred worship.

Hello Lovely's holiday foyer with tree mural and modern French serene mood.

It’s that place of awe, of rising before the sun or communing with the moon where I’m most free. There’s little to overthink. Worry and fear are at bay.

My vintage white piano decorated for Christmas and snow outside the arched window in the music room - Hello Lovely Studio.

I see folks around me filling with joy and wonder during the Christmas season.

Christmas decor on a French antique console in my foyer - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #frenchchristmas

I’m envious. The bright lights and bells seem to echo a song in their hearts.

While my heart quiets. It responds to silent snowfalls and subtleties.

Deep Needs are Everywhere

This is a season where deep needs seem to be magnified in my awareness.

Michele of Hello Lovely on a vintage pickup decorated for Christmas with farmhouse plaids.

The physical needs of the poor, the sick, and the lonely who lack resources.

Fraser Fir wreatch and Swedish wooden candelabra at my kitchen farm sink - Hello Lovely. #farmhousechristmas #scandichristmas #hellolovelychristmas

The spiritual depravity for so many living in the land of plenty.

Holiday decor in our entry and dining room which feature a wallpapered tree mural, light grey stained floors, and a gentle quiet palette of serene hues - Hello Lovely Studio. #elegantchristmas #modernfrenchchristmas

At a time an excessive display of abundance and twinkling lights are everywhere, I long for the real thing, those radiant beams beyond.

Holiday decorated white and grey European Country kitchen at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.

And so I find myself managing holiday overwhelm more than participating in the glory. I look for the mercy. Try to embody the mercy. I always fall short.

Vintage fishing basket with fresh greenery for Christmas door and front porch - Hello Lovely. #rusticchristmas #christmasdoor #hellolovelychristmas

Searching for Radiance

Since I am built this way where a mix of emotions strangely swirl, I pray for help. I pray for eyes to see radiant beams from a newborn’s holy face.

Pink pointe shoes and fluffy white pom pom wreaths for rustic pink Christmas vignette by Hello Lovely Studio. #pointeshoes #pinkchristmas #pompomwreaths — Hello Lovely Studio

I am learning to allow the mystery to move me, to have its way. (Even and especially when it is not MY way.)

Our renovated dining room turned music room at the Georgian has arched windows, light greyed oak floors, and European country style - Hello Lovely Studio.

Allowing reality to be reality is only possible with non-dual thinking, the help of Grace, and new maturity. I expect to evolve until I leave this body.

Oh that my soul would be drenched in the richness of Christmas blessing so that my truest self, the part of me aligned with God, might awaken to its divine indwelling.

As I reflect on a year of poor health and uncertainty, may I be moved into thanksgiving for the opportunity to live these new lows and new opportunities for deeper compassion.

Christmas advent wreath with lit candles on my holiday table - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #adventwreaths #scandichristmas

I cannot help but think of Mary in this advent season.

Gold advent wreath with candles on my holiday Christmas table - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #adventwreath #christmastables

“Let it be done to me!” (Luke 1:38)

Christmas rustic touches in my French courtyard with mirror and bench - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #scandichristmas

Isn’t this bold response EVERYTHING and truly miraculous when we can sincerely empty ourselves to welcome mystery?

In what ways do we shut down over and over when something new stirs in us, asking to be born?

Gold and white Christmas table - Hello Lovely Studio. #farmhousechristmas #christmastablescape #hellolovelychristmas

How much do we resist change when we know full well that God is ever in the business of change?

Rustic candleholders, gold bulbs, and candles on my white farmhouse table for Christmas - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmastablescape #hellolovelychristmas #whiteandgold

Come All Ye Faithful

My soul always grows tender when I hear the words to a well known Christmas hymn:

LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM.

Michele on pointe with poufs - Hello Lovely Studio. #pointeshoes #sugarplumfairies #hellolovelychristmas

What is crowding this heart of mine? Have I left room for the Christ?

Rustic French country holiday decor in my entry with antique French prayer chair, red scarf, and pom pom wreath - Hello Lovely Studio. #rusticchristmasdecor #christmasentry #hellolovelychristmas

A Prayer

Holy Creator of marvelous things, open this restless heart wide as a universe. Bring your gentle mercy, your Big Bang of justice, your cosmic Christ holding all things great and small together.

Ironstone pitchers with fresh greenery and holiday touches - Hello Lovely Studio. #vintagechristmas #ironstonepitchers #hellolovelychristmas

Holy Giver, your child is so prone to wander – draw her to your holy side.

Vintage English crocks filled with gold bulbs, fresh greenery, and bells for Christmas decor - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #vintagechristmas #englishcountrychristmas

Lead her into secret rest only you can supply.

A treasured print, pom pom wreath, and Diptyque candle upon my dresser during the holidays - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #serenechristmas #pompomwreaths

Help her trust the Mystery as a wild, generous, quantum instrument of peace.

Michele in pointe shoes with tissue poufs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #hellolovelychristmas #pointeshoes #sugarplumfairies

Let it be done to her.

Christmas fireplace with joy wreath, stockings, and a French country surround - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelychristmas #holidayfireplace

Let it be born in her.

Michele on husband's shoulders painting in dining room with mural over fireplace - Hello Lovely Studio. — Hello Lovely

Let Love lead her to life everlasting.

Hold us as we grow, Holy Mother of our hearts.

Benjamin Moore White Sand on walls in Belgian style living room with Michele and her black and white shihtzu - Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhitesand #belgianlinen — Hello Lovely

Forgive us for all of the ways we resist the change you bring.

Snacks for the alpacas on the farm - Hello Lovely Studio. #alpacafarm

I pray all of this from a spirit of humble unknowing and flowering hope. AMEN.

Love is Christmas

This song moves me every year. Let the notes mysteriously heal places in you that maybe long to heal.

Sending you so much love and tender mercy wherever this finds you.

Peace to you right where you are.

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