There It Is

I always have a problem starting these things. Perfect one liner opening? Usually takes me awhile to find. I have the need for a perfect segway to start discussing things which really clashes with my abrupt spazoid tendencies to jump from idea to idea, no connection necessary.

So I'm skipping that today.

Just imagine something about how the things you want to do the least sometimes bring the most benefit..

..and go to me sitting in institute this morning. I've been slacking this semester in my attendance and was actually planning on not going today. I got up early to stand in line to sell my textbooks back in the vain hopes that if I was one of the first they wouldn't tell me they'd already bought all those books back and don't need mine anymore - so find another use for your useless csis book. Cuddle up with that behemoth of required reading. Hmph. Snobs.

And a whopping 25% later I'd finished - much earlier than planned. If I hurried I'd be just barely late to institute. To go or not to go? On one hand hot chocolate and a newspaper was calling me. On the other hand "do something your spirit wants to do but your body doesn't." Thank you BYU Education week years ago.

I went.

Before I go any farther let me preface with a story about that good 'ol Christmas spirit.

I have none.

I went to music and the spoken word downtown a week or two ago and the message was about enjoying the preparation of Christmas as much as the final event - something I agree with whole-heartedly. But where is the preparation? Snow yes. Check. So. Much. SNOW. (I wanted to say dang but i refrained.) Advent Calendar? Yup. But in all reality my thoughts are preparing for finals week instead. I have every day planned out, I'm always thinking hours ahead so I don't forget all the things I need to do. Preparation is pretty much squat. Yes family, this does mean your presents will be bought probably on the 20th and probably from the DI. My bad.

Ok now back to institute. (Sorry for the background, stop snoring. People are looking.)

I walked in as they were singing the opening hymn. O Come All Ye Faithful.

And woah - there it was.

Suddenly I felt it. A touch of Christmas excitement. (And that day the Grinch's heart grew two sizes more. Or whatever the darling rhyme is.)

I spent most of the hour reading words to some of the Christmas Hymns. I wanted to belt it out actually, but some things are just not socially acceptable. and I pictured people cowering with hands over their ears. possibly sobbing. (voice = slightly off-key). So I just read.

"Sing choirs of angels (not me obviously)

Sing in exaltation;

Sing

All ye citizens of heav'n above..

..yea Lord we greet thee,

Born this Happy morning;

Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n.

Son of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing;

Oh come let us adore him,

Oh come let us adore him,

Oh come

Let us Adore Him

Christ

The Lord."

And that Charlie Brown, is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas.