We have a new tradition on Christmas morning. Everyone heads over to the farm early. Justin, along with his mother and brother, walk down to the barn and feed the horses together. Tara and I get breakfast cooking and guard the smoked salmon from Boone Dog and Birdie, the crazy kittens.
One of the greatest gifts of that morning is that all the usual routines are turned upside down, jumbled ,and all mixed up. Everyone gets to step into new roles and experience the joys of relating to each other in different ways. It is in those moments that the richness and texture of our relationships shine.
Sitting quietly across the living room in an overstuffed leather chair, with Knox dog in my lap, I was witness to joy and generosity, appreciation and playfulness, love and laughter. My kids often call me out for my sentimentality. Several moments that morning I was flooded with awe and gratitude for the gift of my family and the relationships they have with each other.
My dear friend Joe Lancia used to talk about the numinous; a deep sense of spiritual or mysterious awe, a connection to the divine or the transcendent. I always thought of that as related to the natural world but I now realize that it applies equally to our relationship with both our loved ones and the world.
There are so many opportunities in the holidays we celebrate to step away from our routines, to mix it up and relate to those we love in different ways, whether it be with family or friends or horses. As the New Year approaches I am setting my intention to search for those moments, enter into them, and celebrate them. Will you join me?
