Holiday Greetings from the Restoring Order® Team

As fall is fading and winter is arriving, my family and I are beginning to enjoy fires in our wood-burning fireplace in the evenings. There is nothing quite like the popping, crackling sound of a roaring fire. I pull up my chair, prop my stocking feet on the hearth, and enjoy tapping away on my laptop in front of the cozy fire. My husband reads his aviation magazines, and we are content.

Throughout my busy day, I need to let myself re-capture that contentment. And my guess is, we all do.

As fifty daily e-mails zing into my Inbox, as the chime of my cell phone is imprinted into my conscience, and as my ever-mounting "to do" list grows like a child's Christmas wish list, I am reminded that the forgotten reason for this season is PEACE.

Every day, but especially this time of year, we add to our daily work load the frantic ritual of shopping, consuming, preparing, and accumulating. Precious few of us actually relax long enough to be "home for the holidays." We are too busy, overwhelmed, and maxed out. We are busy making room for more stuff, more food, more gifts, and more activity. Ironically, the true meaning of this season is all about making room in our hearts for Peace.

To reclaim your holiday this year, I invite you to revisit the first Christmas. Instead of complaining about the weather, remember that breathless, starry night. Rather than fretting about which holiday outfit to wear to a party, recall the bedraggled shepherd guests. When you get too caught up in the dazzling decorations, reflect on the simplicity of the manger. I don't know about you, but I'd trade a mountain of gifts, wrapped in splendor, for the gift of Peace wrapped in rags.

We often forget that Peace can be found right where we're at. Whether you are a corporate executive, entrepreneur, or homemaker, you can find freedom from the chaos. You can choose to live with contentment and joy in the midst of the busy pace of your life. You check out of the malls and into the season. You can choose to snuggle your loved ones, light a candle, sip cocoa, play with the dog, feel the cold on your nose, sing your favorite songs, and truly experience the wonder of this holiday. Come in from the storm of life, and warm yourself by the fire.

Warm holiday wishes,
Vicki Norris
President