wrong racquet, new holiday

played racquetball today with a new 47 year old who said to me that from 30 to 47 goes by so fast. i wholeheartedly agreed not because i am 47 but has anyone stopped and smelled the pumpkin lately?? it's NOVEMBER people. what the hay? i blinked and now seven at night feels like ten. by this time, i've got cards already done and gifts already bought. since december will be significantly slower professionally, i guess i'm enjoying the lull in activities and not missing the necessity to hurry up and get it all done before the 25th of december where i am usually a total zombie and not sure how to spell my name from burn out (in a good way, of course) and sheer physical exhaustion. hallelujah! people will receive cards from me in december, maybe even late december, instead of the day after thanksgiving. i just might be able to work out regularly this festive season and avoid gaining the holiday 15 since i'll have some extra time and none of my good friends will send me chocolate or cake for gifts. (still send cake in march please) maybe this year i can make gifts from hand rather than shop online and pay extra for gift wrapping. oooo...maybe i'll make wrapping paper like i did six years ago! this year, i can agree to attend a cookie swap or two (props to rhonda who never gives up on me) instead of creatively excusing myself from attending anything that requires me to bake (seriously, it's not a pretty sight). i can go to the mall for pleasure, for the joy of holiday shopping (woohoo), instead of having to meet with management, spy on workers, pick up donations and fluff trees and display information. i can take some days off in november and before december 24 to just do holiday stuff or here's a crazy one -- relax! for this holiday season, the possibilities are literally endless. at the same time, i can feel the withdrawal setting in as i would normally be preparing for the seven week rush of adrenaline and caffeine. i'll miss the people, the opportunities, the privilege to serve something much bigger than me. to share His love with others and to understand what that really looks like in the faces of hundreds of individuals and families. to stand beside a team of people who are dedicated to the same purpose, the same mission...that is exactly what will forever be a part of who i am and who i strive to be, no matter where i find myself living or working.