12.02.2024 | First Monday in Advent

It's a magical Monday morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  Light snow is drifting down in the cold, dark morning.  It's 26-degrees and only going up to 30-degrees by this afternoon.  The clouds will stick around but don't expect much snow.  Although it is a lovely beginning to the first week of Advent.

"Oh the first snowfall of the winter
Was a day that we all waited for
When it drifted to and fro
Why you should've seen the snow."

One of my favorite Bing Crosby songs at this time of year and it was quite appropriate for Saturday.  It was the perfect snow as we did receive a bit of accumulation, but it didn't really stick to the streets or sidewalk.  It made Shop Small Saturday pretty magical.  Our maker friends said it didn't really hurt business, and some said they even saw an increase.  

It's the first week of Advent.  A time of waiting and darkness.  Today is such a perfect way to embody that very thing.  We wait in darkness for the coming light.  We oftentimes forget that the light will come, especially when we are in the darkest valley.  The deep holes are the hardest to climb out of.  This time of year is so celebrated for joy and happiness but so many of us suffer from a bit of melancholy and even depression during the holidays.  The days are short and the darkness seems to last forever.  Yet, we keep the faith that the light is coming.  The darkness will not last.  

This is the time of year when we need faith and hope more than ever.  But Love is the best answer.  We are loved.  We don't always believe it, but it is true.  We are loved, just the way we are.  We don't even have to do anything for our Creator to love us.  That, in and of itself, is a miracle.  As the old Helzberg Diamonds button used to say, "I am Loved!"  

It's the first week of Advent.  It's snowing outside.  There is a bit of peace and quiet descending on the city street outside my window.  The coffee is ready.  The fire is burning briskly in the old fireplace.  The Doodle is asleep in Momma's chair.  A little faith, a bit of hope, and some fur baby love this Monday morning.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.