Christmas presents or Christmas presence? I've been thinking about those two words for some time. Obviously they sound the same, obviously they have completely different meanings. Or do they? Sometimes what we crave the most is not a thing, but a connection.
Presents are easy...presence can be really hard. Hearing is pretty uncomplicated...listening, not so much. The usual dialogues that make up our encounters don't require much thought. "How are you?" "Oh, I'm fine. You?" "Pretty chilly out today!" "How about them Bears?" "How 'bout those guys?!"
We talk about a movie we've seen, or a book we've read. We talk about what we had for dinner and where we had it. We talk about politics, religion, art, music. Does it matter what we talk about, really? As long as we use the usual phrases, make an attempt to work the room and finally, graciously, take our leave with thanks to the host or hostess.
What would happen if we asked some different questions, dared some different answers, were less guarded and less self-protected in our encounters with friends and family. Would that be too risky? Could we dare to be who we really are, talk about what we really care about, tell somebody how we really feel?
I'm still thinking about this.
I do hope to give and receive real presence this holiday. And my dearest wish is that you find a way to do that too. Seems to me the best way to live in the light.
