I made a quick trip to Sturgis this afternoon. On the way I heard a few Christmas songs. As I drove up the Alkali Divide, I felt the Christmas season was passing too quickly and for whatever reason, perhaps I was missing some of the joys of the season.

As I got into town, my first stop was to pick up some packages at a drop off facility. It was near closing time. I said I would make two trips since the boxes were heavier than I thought. I did not have to since both people behind the counter volunteered to carry the second box. They were more than pleasant and helpful.

I then rushed to my next stop, again hoping to beat their closing time. The two ladies at the office store assured me that I had plenty of time to conduct my purchases. They also said if at anytime we needed something last minute, they would be willing to wait for us. We wished Merry Christmas to each other and then I hurried to my next stop.

I went to our favorite floral and gift shop to pick up some poinsettias for decorating at RBR. Again I was greeted with more friendly smiles. They also had hot cider and cookies on the counter for the taking. This was not just about business... We had a great visit. And their was joy.

I had one more stop and then I headed home. It was beautiful. As I turned south, I was taken by the lights that one of our neighbors had put up at their place. Tammy had lost her dad this past year and I was so moved when I saw a big red heart made of Christmas light and "DAD" spelled in the midst of it. I thought that was so cool and my thoughts went to the family and a quick prayer as they go through this first Christmas with out their Dad. I then crossed the creek and again was so impressed with the efforts of another neighbor in her decorating efforts. Shari did a great job. I smiled some more.

The last five or six miles or so was the amazing glow of a full moon. I drove through our cows scatted along our driveway and thought of the hills around Bethlehem at the first Christmas.

When I walked through the door, I saw a fair sized package on the table and everyone gathered around. They knew that this package from friends in Illinois was full cookies and other goodies. Sure enough.. Barb and Wayne came through with another Christmas tradition.

As I sat down to a nice supper that Robin had prepared, I thought how the joy of the season was happening all around me, and how blessed I am. So many acts of kindness... so many little things that add up to be quite big. It is a most wonderful time of the year