I did not know until reading Kate Bowler's Advent devotional that the period between Christmas and Epiphany is called Christmastide--the 12 days of Christmas popularized in the song. She writes, "Christmastide (December 25 - January 5) is about the gradual departure of darkness and the gentle dawning of light at Epiphany." The symbolism of light and darkness was especially meaningful to me this year. We quoted this verse in our holiday card:
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
I have felt the light begin to pierce the darkness -- in being able to travel to see family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, in the Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas market) indoor/outdoor party we hosted, in needing less oxygen than I did some months ago (I sometimes forget my portable concentrator as I'm walking out the door), in gathering with friends and family to talk, laugh, and play games, in moments where I am not thinking about cancer or health problems but just living my life.
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| Winter lights display at the University of Minnesota Arboretum |
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Flying to and from Minnesota was uneventful, despite the horrible weather in the Midwest and East Coast on our outgoing trip. My last flight on July 28 was terrifying (the pulmonary embolisms left me so short of breath that I was too weak to walk even a few steps), so I'm thankful I didn't experience any anxiety about flying again. I set my portable concentrator at 2L and felt fine. It's nice to be able to fly without having a health crisis!
While in Minnesota I discovered the lower temperature limit for my portable: single digits. After numerous days of walking inside on a treadmill, Leland and I ventured outside when the temperature had increased ever so slightly. About 10-12 minutes into the walk, the portable starting beeping; the error message said it was too cold. We walked back to the apartment. I got it going again, put it under my coat, and we headed out for another 45 minutes or so. That did the trick! The portable works at about 10 degrees or higher.
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| Viasol: not an apartment name I expected to see in Minnesota. It was sunny...but also frigid. |
Photos from a walk on a much warmer day, at sunrise:
To be clear, you were already unveiling a whole bedazzling practice, I just named it and celebrated it with you. You’re so amazingly practical and measured and planful in your day-to-day. I admire those qualities so much. No one is steadier. AND I love to see you choosing lighthearted fun, being carefree, surrounding yourself with people and things that are artful and soulful and light and easy, that make you laugh, or just capture a whimsical, cozy, or joyful feeling. When things get dark, we gotta bring the sparkle. Here’s to all the dazzling little lights ahead…continue to be a little impulsive, treat yourself, because you’re worthy of all the frivolity you want. I can’t wait to see it unfold! Love you!
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DeleteYou are right! As I re-read it, that (your validating what I was already doing) didn't come through clearly. Sparkle on, friend. Love you back.
DeleteThank you, Esther, for your deep and vulnerable reading. I feel challenged to find the word/theme for my life in 2023, and the much smaller challenges I face. Your perceptions are very meaningful.
ReplyDeleteForgot to add that I used Kate Bowler's "The Season of Waiting" for my daily Advent devotional. So meaningful. I was introduced to the Huron Carol for the first time. Certainly applies to your Great Lakes trip. I urge people to seek out her website where you can sign up for weekly devotions and encouragement. She's also published a couple terrific books re the struggle of stage 4 cancer; she's lived for seven years now since her diagnosis.
DeleteKate Bowler's book, No Cure for Being Human, was one of my favorites this past year. I've also enjoyed her podcast. Bruce Cockburn has a great rendition of the Huron Carol in his Christmas album.
DeletePerhaps the W might also help you channel the courage, strength, and all around amazing character of Wonder Woman. That wouldn't be a far reach at all!
ReplyDeleteGood point! Although Wonder Woman is a lot to live up to... :)
DeleteThank you for these encouraging reflections… May the merciful “dawn from on high” continue to break upon you, bedazzle you and guide you in the way of peace this whole year! (Andy)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andy. This term has many layers of spiritual meanings.
DeleteEsther this is such a joyful beginning of the year post to read. You are very brave & so loved. May the Lord continue to give you all the strength you need to face life challenges. 2023 will be a better year. May you bedazzle your life. ❤️
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DeleteThank you, Alisa. Your steadfast support means so much to me!
DeleteLate to the party, but Happy Bedazzling New Year, Esther! So good to learn about Christmastide....and love that you've claimed "bedazzle" as your word for 2023. You wear it well, my friend. :) And so appreciate how you wove the themes of light into this post via the pictures and the prose... powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. I'm glad you caught the point I was trying to make in print and photos. :)
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