‘Twas the week of Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . . .
Well, to be honest, there weren’t any two-legged creatures around the house for a couple of days to confirm that no four-legged creatures, or winged creatures for that matter, were stirring. We’re just going to think positively.
The Center was closed since Tuesday of last week as the team scattered near and far to spend time with family and friends for Christmas. Not everyone left at the same time, but by Christmas eve, all were gone and the halls were eerily quiet. Any Spirits of Christmas Past who may have been present had the place to themselves.
By Wednesday and Thursday this week, some staff started to drift back in. Although we don’t resume regular hours until after New Year’s Day, we do have the New Year’s Eve retreat this weekend to put the finishing touches on. After an extended Christmas break, there are also likely to be more than a few emails and voicemails waiting for a response.
This old house was still standing when staff returned and apparently none the worse for the Christmas solitude. Of all the Christmases to leave the house empty, this one was ideal with record warm temperatures for several days and absolutely no snow or severe storms to worry about.
Still, it is always good to get away, even if only for a few extra days. Everyone needs some time to get away, to put aside the work worries, to relax and refresh their spirits. While we spend most of the year offering that get-away opportunity to others, we also need to offer it to ourselves occasionally, and the lull around Christmas is an ideal opportunity for us to do so.
For an extended Christmas break, for time to relax and celebrate Christmas with family and friends, and for the opportunity to return to this old house relaxed and refreshed and continue our ministry, we say Deo Gratias!