Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas Prayer 2006 – I am blessed

The way is perilous on the never ending ascent. The sparkling glitter of trinkets around every corner distract the pilgrim, the peak is always just across the next knoll, in sight but still a lifetime away. Darkness falls and fades away as day turns to night and night to day. Another step, another minute, another opportunity, another challenge.

A windmill appears and a blow is thrown, in symphony the sail sweeps across and knocks the nobleman from his steed. Just as quickly as it appears, it is gone, no longer a threat, nor a challenge, as if it never existed.


The parlors are bright, beautiful sumptuous cloths caress the beautiful people as the sit and chat smug in their existence. Colored lights adorn the entrance, the windows; the outline of the papier-mâché cottage is so beautiful, so perfect. Yet the night air chills to the bone and the pilgrim pulls his vestige closer. The winter snows are at hand; press on good sir. An invitation is offered, “stay with us, the night is dark and the wind cold”.

The pilgrim continues. He has his path, his reason to exist, his passion. The journey continues, he has his mission and has received all the purpose necessary to complete his quest without distraction. The heart burns; sometimes it seems it will burst, pumping so hard the veins along his neck expand and pulsate. There is no distraction, no time to warm the aging body, or rest the tired soul. The passion drives him and somehow is in need of protection. It is an oxymoron of infinite proportions, so powerful yet so meek.

The summit will never be obtained, it will always be just out of reach, just a few steps more, but the pilgrim does not care. It is not the capturing or dominating the path that counts but the journey, accompanying his passion. Experiencing fulfillment in the midst of failure and humility in the rewards of success. That which is important is clear. It is simply the jewel that shines for eternity. It cannot be bought, borrowed or stolen. It must be given as a precious present and received with fullness of heart, mind and soul.

My Christmas prayer this year: Thank you for my Raffaella.


Labels: ,

8 Comments:

Blogger ColleenQ said...

Oh, this is beautifully sweet and touching! How wonderful you understand the real meaning of Christmas!

Happy Holidays and a wonderful new year to you!

8:27 PM

 
Blogger DC said...

Lovely pic, David!

May the festive season bring you, Raffaella and your loved ones the greatest of joy, the most-scrumptious of morsels (pun intended if you do so wish), excellent health, agreeable company and wondrous dreams-come-true.

Happy Holidays

...& Wishing You a Spectacular 2007!!

Jen (of Dos Centavos).

9:39 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That's beautiful David :) I hope you had a merry Christmas.

5:27 AM

 
Blogger Travel Italy said...

Thank you all so much. We had the opportunity to have friends over for Christmas Eve dinner and spent a quiet Christmas day together!

Best wishes to all.

2:21 PM

 
Blogger ChickyBabe said...

Beautiful... just beautiful! Wishing you both a lot of happiness together, at Christmas and always :).

3:56 PM

 
Blogger Doll Face said...

lovely david.

Happy Christmas to you Raffaella and your family

xoxoxo

9:11 PM

 
Blogger RennyBA said...

What a lovely prayer and a great picture - thanks for sharing!

Wishing you both a lovely Holiday Season:-)

8:08 AM

 
Blogger Travel Italy said...

Thank you, my good friends. May the New Year be one of many adventures, passion and tranquility!

2:38 PM

 

Post a Comment

<< Home