Savoring Here and Now

Sitting in the darkened living room, Stephen beside me, we watch the Christmas tree lights randomly sequence slowly through varied color combinations--the result of Stephen's programming fun last year. Milo is curled on the hearth, absorbing the fire's warmth; Petra is snuggled at my feet, twitching slightly as she dreams, and the other pets are sleeping nearby.

Christmas music is playing softly, the fire is quietly crackling. All else is still. And so we sit, absorbing the fullness of the moment. Quiet inside and out, reflecting on the gifts of this season. Peace, love, time together, life, hope. A Savior, freely given, and the gift of faith, that we may know him. Nothing is lacking. 

I want to stop time and hold this moment forever. I know I can't, though, so I savor it fully, heart attuned to the present moment in both this time and this place. All of myself here now, with Stephen, with myself, and with our God.