eflections of 2005

It was a very cold winter every where we traveled but the warmth of many hearts kept me going. This year was a trying one for me. We as humans sometimes have to go through these mazes in life that continue to surprise and baffle us. I have found the best path to take is one of faith….I am just open to wherever I am lead. It is so hard to let go of situations and just let your faith guide you. I have a tendency to want to control my world….so every now and then I have to be shaken up in the blender of life and poured into the sink to create a better flow. Somehow we get caught up in our own small world and have to be reminded of the big picture that really surrounds us.

The most difficult issue became the decision that it was necessary for us to move. Then of course selling the old house and all the changes we had to make in our daily lives were unfamiliar. But with change comes a refreshing of the spirit and an affirmation of faith.

As we faced one problem after another, I felt like George Bailey just trying to get past each obstacle….But my reward awaited me. Each time I went to another appearance, I was energized by the love that so many people share for It’s a Wonderful Life and now The Bishop’s Wife. I am so fortunate to be a part of both of these films. They have such positive messages for us to absorb.

Now that my “season” is over, I am looking out the window of my kitchen at the stream that runs through the yard at my new home and I look at all the birds that are eating from the feeders. The wonder and beauty of this peaceful setting seems to ground me and I watch as there is a beaded curtain of rain gently falling. The rivers here are swollen and my home is at the bottom of a small mountain. At the top is a huge waterfall…It is about a mile from my house. I can hear the thundering of the falls. You might say it is quite mystical.

As I reflect on the many places that Chris and I visited this year, it truly warms my heart. I met many little Zuzu’s and proud mothers. I marvel at the thought that this name would some day be used to name little girls and to mean so much too each one. I think Frank Capra would be so proud that his movie had impacted a society so much….that folks would name their children from a character in his favorite film.

The annual “It’s a Wonderful Life Festival” in Seneca Falls New York is growing every year…..more activities and more people are coming to share in the wonderful spirit of peace and joy that this beautiful setting creates. Not only do they have a Zuzu’s Café open year around but they also have, just for the Christmas season a Martini’s. The key to the Christmas spirit is to enjoy fellowship and friendship and to give love and be a part of a family that all realizes that each man’s life touches another. We can make a difference. In Seneca Falls the love just bubbles over and everyone becomes one big family….

Giving, caring and loving really is what life is all about! Enjoy!