The tree is down, the outdoor lights have been removed, even the nativity set is carefully packed away.  The red and green placemats and tablecloths no longer grace my tables.  All the Santas and snowmen are now smiling inside a box labeled “Christmas.”  Only my cards remain in a basket.  I shall have one more look at them; there are messages to ponder, perhaps to reply.

There’s a dreariness to these rooms when everything festive is taken away.  Spaces that looked perfectly fine last November, now look bereft.  Since no one is coming to dinner, even the kitchen isn’t filled with wonderful aromas. It’s no-nonsense, matter-of-face, humdrum old January.  It’s time to concentrate on mundane tasks.  Are the bills paid, the thank you notes written? Sometimes January is just plain boring.

Because my December days are festive, I tend to develop unrealistic expectations for the days that follow.  You see, my normal days are pretty routine.  I need to get it out of my head that every day should be a holiday. 

The bible has some good suggestions for me, perhaps for you too.  God never promised us that every day would be festive.  Some days are meant for work, and simple contentment.  In 1 Timothy 6:6-7, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

And again, in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

So, if I find myself in the “after-Christmas” blues, It’s time to look for what God would have me do in these “normal days.”  And then, to be content with doing his will in whatever circumstances that may be.

God bless you all my friends, on this January morning and every day.

Judy