Today is my favorite day of the year. Christmas Eve has always held a special mark of promise, of love, family, and anticipation. It's almost as if all parts of the past year that were "wonderful" return on this day.

I like to get up early and sit here looking at the tree. I think about my family and friends, the people who have shown me the brightest light this past year, those who have hurt me, and those that have faded from my life completely. I think about what I've done, what I could have done differently, and what I want to change this coming year. I think about our World, how I can make a difference, and how I can help others to make a difference as well.

In Church yesterday I did a lot of thinking about things as well. I won't use this blog to go into the readings and religious things discussed, but I will share this: When I get to Church in the morning the first thing I do is write. I don't have anything in mind when I start, but I find that some amazing things flow through me when I do this. There are thoughts and feelings exposed that I didn't even know I had, and it brings me such a feeling of peace to finally recognize them! This is part of what I wrote yesterday: "I watch her walk to every member with a smile and individual word to show we are all loved and remembered. I want to be like that; I want every person I meet and every person I know to truly understand how much I value their presence and the individual greatness they bring to me and to the World. I ask myself what I can change about myself so they can feel it because, being a shy person, it doesn't come easily. I am private when it comes to my emotions and I think I may sometimes rely on the strength of my feelings as a means of expression... I know there are times when people feel slighted by my seemingly lackluster responses to things, or apparent apathetic approach to certain situations, but the truth of the matter is that my heart is screaming even when I appear to be silent."

So on this, the Eve of the day when the birth of a special child added the dimension of love to the Universe, I want to say I Love You to each and every person in my life. Your presence is a special gift and you have all touched my life in countless ways. I thank you for your support, your honesty, and your unyielding support.

I am blessed in the truest sense of the word.