Piece (n)  a portion of an object that is created by tearing, cutting or breaking; components of a whole

Peace (n)  freedom from disturbance; tranquility or calm

I have friends frequently offer words to highlight for the Word Well Wednesday feature.  This was one that was recently suggested and seemed to be a perfect word for this week.  I’m not quite sure how it didn’t make the list earlier!  I do believe in divine timing.

As we continue to prepare and begin to celebrate the holidays, pieces are coming together.  Pieces of décor, pieces of planning and pieces of treats are all part of the grand plans of Christmas and other celebrations occurring this time of year.  Each of us celebrates in our own unique way, focusing on our family traditions.  (See my earlier post on Traditions.)  What compiles those festivities are elements of our childhood and interjections of our adulthood experiences.  It’s like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle coming together, piece by piece.

One of the favorite activities we enjoy, is the baking of the Christmas cookies.  There are the sugar cookies with festive sprinkles, the buttery thumbprint with its glistening jam and my all-time favorite, the decorated gingerbread cookies!  The same recipes have been used for years and they never fail to still elicit compliments.  It’s difficult to just stop at one cookie when enjoying an afternoon coffee or tea!  Do you ever do the piece by piece nibble, breaking off just a bit here and there, distributing the cookie calories over the morning or afternoon?  Or are you a Cookie Monster attacker of the holiday treats?  Regardless, it is a welcome tradition we enjoy each Christmas, spurring the renewed exercise programs after the New Year!

The other peace is also huge part of this season.  Some are in a frantic search for it.  Others are able to maintain the focus of peace throughout this blessed time of year.  For me, I have to work at creating the calm.  It is easy for me to get caught up in the preparations – I tend to be a Martha rather than a Mary.  If you’re not familiar with this reference, it’s regarding a bible passage, Luke 10:38-42.  Martha is working hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister, Mary of Bethany, simply sits at his feet and listens. Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to simply abide with Christ.  I want to be certain that the holiday experience is memorable for family – especially the little ones.  The decorations are out; the food is made and the games are played.  Sometimes, we just need to sit and enjoy.

Do you struggle with finding the peace of the season?  Try to be intentional with moments of quiet.  Take the time to sit and enjoy the twinkling tree.  Walk the neighborhood in the evening to breathe in the cool air.  Soak in the laughter of little kids as they discover treasures of the season.  Listen to music that inspires calm. Simplify plans to focus on being in the moment rather than missing the moment.  Peace is attainable.  It’s waiting for you alongside those Christmas treats!