A couple of days ago, I was looking for random word combinations as an inspiration for a new story. There were at least ten combos, things like “cabbage, comb, observatory”, “Not a paper clip”, or “bottlecap, conspiracy, house cat”. I liked the combo “operation, cheddar, easter” most. So, I thought of what it could inspire. The result: the title for my next story, “Operation Easter Island”. I don’t know exactly what the story will be about. But I didn’t know what “Gary’s Noodles” would be about, either. It comes together, over time. So far, I think this story will involve a few kindergarteners/1st graders (probably boys) who are trying to sneak something past a teacher. Or maybe a kid wants to sneak a secret toy to his friend’s sleepover party. Or the group of kids wants to surprise their dad. I don’t know. I’ll explore different options. But I like the sound of the title. It could be taken into different directions. And it sounds catchy. That’s what makes it worth some thought for me.
Meanwhile, Christmas is coming up. And it’s only 10 weeks until I move to Seattle for a 6-month-internship. So, with both Christmas and the 10 weeks to Seattle, I have a lot to do. It’s overwhelming. But also fun.
However, I look at the world and see lots of trouble. Floods are wrecking Uganda and other parts of southeast Africa. Brazil’s rainforest is burned at an alarming rate. Plastic pollution is destroying ocean ecosystems. And many more issues. The UN climate summit meets this week in Madrid. It may seem like an abstract meeting. But the decisions they make can possibly improve or worsen the state of the world. And the reason I’m writing about all this in this post: Pressure and trouble can feel overwhelming. And yet, joy can be sprinkled into the mix, at the same time. Whether I think of my story idea, my to-do-list, or the state of the world, I want to balance my responsibility and my peace. On the one hand, there’s so much I can’t control. But on the other hand, I can choose to see the good things next to the bad. Not ignore the trouble. But also not sink into a panic. And it may just be the perfect time to remember that: After all, Christmas is not about fuzzy feels, but about God coming into a dark world. New hope and perspective. Not because Jesus magically made all the problems disappear. But because he personally came, God himself, to live through it with us. And lead us. Through trouble, and through joy, and all in between.
So, I’ll take it one day at a time. And I’m enjoying the steps in the process. Even as I fight against trouble or see trouble I can’t control.
How about you? How are you getting ready for Christmas? How are you balancing trouble and joy? Enjoy each step, take time for work and also for rest. And have a great day!