All I want for Christmas

My adult daughter lives with me and we have both been missing having a cat around since we lost ours in the last couple of years. So, we got two, 7-month-old kittens -- not the tiny kind. They look like small adults, but act like kittens. The orange male, Trouble, and tuxedo female, Sweetheart, like to play.

So being Christmas and all, we put up our Christmas tree and realized that we had to forgo the ornaments, top piece, and garland this year. We were willing to risk electrocuting the kittens by putting up some lights, but that's it. So, we have a tree and lights. But we have so much more. We have laughs and fun watching the cats getting into the tree and playing with it. It is way more fun that our usual tree.

I feel connected to my spiritual core when I go off track doing something different, and it turns out to be delightful. Rather than be disappointed at not having our usual tree, I am having more fun than ever. How has that worked in your life? Have you found yourself going down the usual way, becoming derailed, yet eventually experiencing more joy?

While we are grateful for the joyful times this season, let's also hold in the Light those who find this time of year more painful and disappointing than usual. We can especially hold those experiencing the devastating effects of the tornadoes. Where is the Divine in these hard times? In the comfort of how very much we care, in the courage of the heroes, in the will to recover and renew, and in the love we show for our sisters, brothers, children, animals, and remembered places.