Dear Happy Asses,
Christmas took me by surprise this year… as if it doesn’t come the same day, the same time, every single year. I kept pushing it off—tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow—and well… tomorrow is here.
My love note is not written.
I am guzzling lots of water, taking gnarly antibiotics, getting IVs, and enduring steroid shots that keep me awake for days on end. And yet—Christmas Eve is upon me. And wait… there’s more.
In the last two days, I have been rear-ended twice, so my Christmas Eve morning will be spent asking forgiveness from my insurance company for not calling right away. My head was full. I felt awful. And when the second person slammed into me, I just wanted relief from this very unwelcome respiratory infection.
I was headed to get an IV—hoping for some quick help—so I could simply enjoy my family.
So today, I think we may all just need an affirmation of hope and peace… and the strength to get through the next few days filled with lots of commotion and just as much love.
My house is not ready—but that may actually be a gift. Because you will never see a little 4’9” girl clean and shove things into unknown places so fast. Truly impressive.
And so, in light of all the wonder, and all the hope, and yes—the chaos and the uncertainty—I am reminded (again) that there is a gift in all of it.
I am still learning so many things. At 66, I know I have a bucket list of learning that I hope to keep accomplishing this year.
So here is my affirmation gift for us today:
An Affirmation of Hope & Peace
God, I am so thankful for this season—and every season.
I learn so much and grow so much when I am thrust into the unknown.
That is a time for trusting, deep breaths, and gratitude.
I am thankful for my warm home.
I am thankful for sobriety.
I am thankful for a one-day-at-a-time kind of living.
I am thankful when I learn from my mistakes… again.
I am so thankful for my Happy Ass community.
I am open to whatever gifts You give me this year—in my growing and my learning.
I will accept love and give love in heaping measurements.
I will extend grace like it is my most worthy job—because it is.
Blessed love and thoughtfulness for my fellows, and hope for all, is my cry.
I pray that as we end this year, we do so in love—and with a hopefulness so full that it pours out onto others.
And so it is.
So now it’s time to face the music, do what needs to be done, and leave the rest to a loving Father—one who may be shaking His head with a soft smile and a tender, knowing demeanor… not in disappointment, but in love. The kind of love that understands effort, sees the heart, and delights in a child who is still learning, still trying, and so very grateful for all of it.
And for all of you.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays—whatever this season is to you and yours.
Peace, peace, and more peace,
Karen Key Smith
