Quiet Graces in the Small Places

The most unplanned moments often carry more meaning than the ones we carefully arrange. Last week, we experienced one such moment as we made our way to our town’s Christmas parade. I told myself “Keep it simple,” because I wanted to actually enjoy the night. Sometimes the fuss slows me down with unwanted pressure. It’s a performance habit I picked up when my world was about proving and performing. Time like these put me to the test. As we left the house after a quick nap, I felt unburdened as I threw on my winter coat over my PJ’s, slipped into a winter boot, collected my family, and without a thought jumped into the car.

We arrived a little late and circled around the square looking for a place to park. After several attempts, I thought the night would be lost when the street was closed off. As we pulled to the side (definitely awkward) blocking the road, a local business owner waved us in and said “Go ahead and pull into my space.” My heart settled and we had the most perfect view. Christmas music played softly and the people (and furries) who mean the most to me cuddled to enjoy the glittery floats and happy faces slowly making their way through the town square. I have to admit, it stirred a few tears at the heartwarming scene unfolding before me, but it was the comfort and safety of the moment that stayed with me.

Afterward, we drove slowly through town, taking in the Christmas lights. The air was crisp, the sky dark, and the streets completely quiet. In that stillness, I felt embraced with care. Unplanned moments like these are often the simplest quietly kind moments we can hold.

This holiday season I hope you find the simple moments again.