Ever looked at a puzzle with missing pieces?
What do you see?
Do you see the beauty of the puzzle or do you fixate on the missing pieces?
My inkling is that most of us would probably focus on those missing pieces.
How can it be whole and complete and lovely with missing pieces?!
Missing Pieces
Believe it or not, I’ve been decorating for Christmas.
Yes, I know it’s early, but what the heck? My inner joy compass is off the Richter!
Yet… as I sing, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” while decorating, my songs are interrupted with whispers of past holidays. Ones where my Mom and Dad, brothers Jimi and Frankie, and my nephew Billy were present.
Holidays where no one was missing.
As my whispers of the past continue, I find I’m at my grandma and grandpa’s home relishing my grandma’s famous Christmas fruit salad. Along with my aunts, uncles, and cousins.
More missing people.
Missing Pieces - What are we to do?
Friend, in spite of all those missing loved ones; I’m still delighted with the holidays.
Why - because I know missing pieces are a part of our lives.
We all have missing pieces.
Your missing pieces may be lost family, friends, or furry buddies.
Maybe with the holiday season upon us, your missing pieces are the things you don’t have or feel you’ll never have or the sometimes elusive joy or peace of the season.
I understand that in any of our moments, and especially during the holidays, we can fall prey to our looming missing pieces. So much so that they weigh heavily upon us and shroud all our good.
What are we to do? How do we find the blessings with missing pieces?
Lovely Anyway
Maybe it’s not about having all the pieces. Maybe it’s about noticing and appreciating those we do have.
Although I’m quite aware of my missing pieces, I’m also choosing to be attentive to what is in front of me - my purring cat, my husband’s smile and loving words, my weekly video chats with my youngest brother, Clif, calls from my other siblings, girlfriends who check up on me, my good health and fit body, my ever-present relationship with the Celestial, the rich rain forest that surrounds me, connections with clients, and of course my Christmas decor that light up more than my home.
Dearest, whatever your missing pieces are - lost loved ones, wishes not coming true, the merriment of the season not happening for you hurts, stress, or fears that linger - may you find thanks-giving in the present. Not because your life is picture-perfect but because it’s lovely anyway.
Inner Joy Compass Prompt:
Please play along with me.
Okay, ready?
Close your eyes and take in a long deep breath. Now open your eyes and notice what’s in front of you. Really notice.
What can you appreciate about what’s directly in front of you?
How about behind you? Go ahead and take a peek. What is there to appreciate?
Ready for some more appreciation?
Okey dokey, close your eyes and take in another long deep breath.
Keeping your eyes closed, bring to mind a happy memory of someone presently in your life that you love. Breathe in that feeling of love and let it rest in your heart. Allow yourself to experience the depth of your appreciation for that person.
Now ask yourself:
What if I were to consciously stop and breathe in appreciation for 1 person or thing each day throughout the holidays?
What difference would this make?
The best time of day for me to take an appreciation moment is ____________.
What if I were to give myself a weekly appreciate-myself-time, I would feel ____________?
I’m committed to daily appreciation moments because _____________?
Oh dear, it truly is a blessing for us that Thanksgiving comes first. A holiday that sets the pace for us to take a look at all that we are grateful for.
What grace to be gifted with the Thanksgiving opportunity to step into all of our blessings even if they appear to be less than perfect because they truly are - lovely anyway.
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." Willie Nelson
With an appreciative and joyful heart, I thank you for being here with me.
With all my love,
Gloria