Merry & Bright

I went over the list again in my head.  It only takes one distraction for me to lose my train of thought.  Of course the stickie note I wrote it down on is still three stories up on my computer.  The light turned red as I approached.  I impatiently flipped radio stations and looked at the opposite light to see just why it hadn't changed already. I had too much to do and only a short time to do it.  Sitting still wasn't an option.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him.  He was perched on the bench in front of the Lewiston Library in a patch of winter sun.  His black jacket was zipped against the breeze. His guitar was cradled against his chest as his fingers strummed.  His eyes were closed and his head flung back with a huge smile on his lips.  I couldn't hear a thing, but I could see the music streaming from within him. 

The light didn't matter any more. I had to hear what could possibly give this stranger so much joy. I pushed the button to drop my window. The sound of a rough, worn voice and guitar chords floated across the intersection. He wasn't terrible. He wasn't amazing.  But he was so in love with that music at that moment, it was infectious.  A second later, he finished his song with a huge flourish and he threw his head back further and let out a laugh.  Not a quiet giggle, not a fake performance laugh.  It was something from deep within, something filled with great joy and satisfaction.  It was contagious and I found myself alone in my car laughing along with him.

I don't have any idea who he was or what his story is. But for that moment, watching him so involved in his love of his music, in that moment of simple joy, I was jealous. 

We complicate things and we lose track of the very things that bring us joy and satisfaction in life, make our hearts full and soothe our restless minds.  We get so busy with running here and there it is easy to for get to slow down.   It is next to impossible in the overwhelm of technology and constant contact to carve out those moments to just be with who we love and do what feeds happiness in our souls. We forget that it is not things that  that feed our souls.

The car behind me reminded me that I was driving with a honk of its horn and I rolled through the intersection still thinking about this man.  It was a simple moment, but it reminded me of what this season is really about. To show kindness. To sing (in the car with the windows rolled up, but to sing anyway) because it makes me happy. To write because it brings me peace. To snuggle in for that extra few minutes with the kids. To help others who may be in a tougher place. To love because it is all that I am and make sure those around me hear it. 

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, or for those who do not celebrate anything, happy Sunday. May you have many moments of joy, much love, and many blessings.