Tea & Whiskers: Christmas Windows

Today is Wednesday.

Which means it's Cleaning Day in the Writer's Cottage.

It is also Christmas Eve.

So, I am cleaning on Christmas Eve.

Which is very - normal.

There was always a mad, crazy rush to clean the house on Christmas Eve, as my mother always wanted the house to look spotless come Christmas Day when all our extended family would arrive. Yesterday I popped over to my parents house and found my Dad washing the large windows. I suppose, without all us offspring around, the task now falls to him to do those windows. Ah - windows - they'll always be synonymous with Christmas.

Looking out at a new year, new beginnings, washing the old year away and starting afresh.

But do we even need to?

Not really. That work has already been done. We are washed clean, but I suppose, like windows, we get dirty from living in the world and it's good to get a refresh so we can at least see things with a clearer perspective. Which, I think is why it's always good to return to the Bible, to return to people who uplift us, and to seek Christ in our day to day.

Tonight, my German student, Ella, is making lasagna! And I'll admit, I am super excited. I really love lasagna, but I have never had home booked lasagna, only store made lasagna. Considering the Spaghetti bolognaise Ella made was utterly delicious I have no doubt the lasagna will be also delicious.

I will admit, things have been very difficult the past few months. Sometimes I have felt like I've been barely holding on by a thread. That deep longing to share life with a partner, to have someone to laugh with, to form memories with, to just sit with, it never goes away, it's like a haunting shadow that clings to me. And yet, life goes on.

Because what else can you do? The chronic pain is horrendous, but the house still has to be cleaned today. I am terrified of a flareup due to Christmas, but my family is a tremendous gift and I am so very grateful for them.

So, from my heart to yours, I wish you all much love and blessings. God Bless,

Merry Christmas, Kylie