scribblechic

In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays we sometimes lose sight of unwrapped gifts of presence. This year my daughter’s eager anticipation and awareness for the moment has created a sense of wonderment and awe that inspires me to be still.

One evening last week while returning to our quiet suburban subdivision my daughter lead me on a scavenger hunt for a special tree. Having seen the tree one evening with her father, she wanted to share the beauty of her discovery with me. We followed the curves of our neighborhood streets commenting on the lights until rounding a corner and arriving at the tree my daughter sought to share. Her joy lit her smile and we stopped to stretch the moment into a memory.

It would have been simple to drive home and forgo the search. To pass quickly nodding appreciatively. Instead we sat in the moment; marveling at the height of the tree and the endless strand of lights. I was reminded of my daughter’s eager toddler exclamations and spirited efforts to pull me from a task into play and I gave thanks for the tiny Christmas elf that still takes me by the hand and pulls me fully into a moment to gift me greater presence.