Kairos Moments

As opposed to Kodak moments, kairos moments are moments of true connection and holiness. At least according to the sermon I heard this morning! I love the concept that such moments are happening all the time even though we may sometimes be too busy -- especially at this time of year -- to heed them.

Because I have been fighting a bug for a month now, I am behind on everything Christmas -- and I'm the mom! That's not allowed. So instead of freaking out, I'm choosing to take a few deep breaths and reflect on the kairos moments I've been allowed to experience recently:

• In struggling to find a location for one section of the WIP, a mis-google led me to the 1933 Chicago World's Fair -- bingo!
• My dear friend, Bonny Becker, (A Visitor for Bear; The Magical Ms. Plum) recommended our book, Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle, to be included in the Seattle Times holiday gift guide.
• My daughter chose to spend one whole day with me, baking Christmas cookies. And she gave me permission not to make cinnamon rolls this year. (I made them anyway.)
• I got to re-wrap several presents because Winston decided I hadn't done a nice enough job. At first irritated, I was soon content because it gave me another reason to watch The Muppets Christmas Carol again.
• Even though it has been two years since I sent out Christmas cards, I am still on dear friends' lists.
• We were extended grace and kindness as we made the tough decision to put our feisty 18-year-old cat, Mimi, to sleep yesterday.
• Though we dragged our feet about it, the Christmas party at the care center where Neil's parents now live was a highlight of the season. To see my mother-in-law's face when Santa handed her a gift was a blessing beyond words.

I wish for you time and opportunity in this season -- whether it is full of light or dark for you -- to recognize your kairos moments.