If you have followed my blog for a month or more,
you have seen this journal before.
The topics are inspired by life and living.
I have written about:
I CAN
Volunteer
Share
Bee Hospitable
Tackle Transitions
etc.
Little did I know when I wrote some of those how difficult some would become. Hospitality requires guests, right? Well, so much for that! Most of our friends are afraid in this pandemic world to socialize.
Little did I know how hard it would become to volunteer. Most of my volunteer activities are forbidden right now. I can’t be a “Purple Lady” at the medical center desk. Our auxiliary couldn’t hold its fund raiser this year. We couldn’t earn the money to donate for new equipment and/or medical supplies as we have done in the past.
And remember, we are a little town of about 1,000 residents!
Medical Center Christmas party.
Little did I realize how many opportunities I would have to “Tackle Transitions.” Back in June of 2018 when I wrote on that topic, God knew what was coming, but none of us had a clue. My transitions poem was prophetic:
Times of transition
Can be disconcerting –
Facing the unknown
Running, dodging, skirting.
Life is full of changes;
Nothing stays the same.
Rolling with the punches –
Listening for our name.
In the “roll call” of life,
Showing up to be
Ready for transitions
Sometimes is difficult for me.
But I know the Leader
Is my Maker who decides
What my next assignment is.
In Him my life abides.
So, embrace the coming changes;
Set aside all fear and sorrow.
Joyfully put your hand in His;
He’s gotcha covered for tomorrow.
Choosing JOY in the midst of this pandemic is not easy.
My list of “I Can” do’s has changed this year.
But, I try to keep it positive:
I CAN
Believe
Only Imagine
ReJOYce
Whistle!
You recognize some of those. They became blogging themes.
This morning’s I CAN prompted today’s post:
I CAN
Keep it Simple
No large family gatherings
No stockings stuffed with toys
No sounds of giggling laughter
From excited girls and boys
No trudging through the snow
With accordion on my back
No carols at windows
Or St. Nicholas with his sack
It’s a different sort of year
COVID-19 has changed us quite a lot
We cancelled our travel plans
And we altered what we bought
Christmas Day will be different
We can mourn the things we miss
Or we can vow to keep it simple
Pray for those we cannot kiss
The virus and death took too many –
They’re in Heaven with our Lord
Let us focus on Christ Jesus
And the grace He richly poured.
Believe the Christmas promise
Jesus came to save our souls
Eternity knows no endings
His love comforts and consolesKeep it Simple!
It belonged to my grandmother.
I treasure its simplicity.
Sally would have been 83 on December 20th.
Eternity knows know endings.
I will see her again someday.
I Believe!
Thank You, Jesus!!
Have a Beautiful Christmas Week!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See you tomorrow.
Comments on: "I CAN Keep it Simple" (13)
Beautiful Jan. Thank you! Yes, this holiday is different than any other in our lives. Prayers coming for all friends, family, and those who have left this earth. The nativity is beautiful.
Thank you, Fran <3 Will we see you tomorrow evening for Christmas eve service? <3
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you! May your relationships be happy and blessed! <3
Beautiful!
Thank you! <3
Your good wishes reciprocated, Jan X
Thank you, {{{Derrick}}} <3 I'm sending my love to you and Jackie. Have a Merry Christmas! <3
🙂
You and Bob have a very blessed Christmas, Jan!
Yes, we’re keeping it simple too. There will be phone calls and Facetimes. The love of family is still strong and we can celebrate Christ’s birth as much as ever.
Wishing for you health and happiness for 2021 xxx
Thank you, Lesley. Hugs and best wishes back atcha! <3
There’s nothing wrong with simple. Maybe God’s message to us was simply “Slow Down!” Thinking of you and looking forward to our Zoom. (Slow down and zoom 😁) By the way, I have a nativity set that looks exactly like yours!
What fun! I loved zooming with you – and was gad Kayla could join us, too <3 Merry Christmas, Sweetheart. I love you! <3