Let it be Christmas! It is definitely in the air, on the ground, and everywhere all around- very hard to miss the season this year with the bountiful snow and cold arriving earlier than ever. I recall last year at this time writing about the movie Frozen that had just come out and our family happened to see on the opening weekend. One year later, Frozen has taken over our home and every other household with children (especially girls) ages 10 and under.
This year, I can’t believe it, but I just have to write about it yet again. Another lesson from a Disney movie? No way, you say. Yes, sorry, but I have to do it. It actually is an extension of our October newsletter opening letter - remember that story about the picture of the tree? No matter how I tried, I couldn’t get a perfect picture with those utility lines cutting right through that tree?
Well, now that it’s December, and Frozen has made a brilliant comeback on every holiday Christmas list, I have an update on my own progress regarding perfection. I’m proud to say my Thanksgiving holiday decorations over the table were some beautifully colored turkeys, one traditional browns and reds, the other a lively and cool green and blue mix. There was something so perfect about hanging these imperfect, but very well done little turkeys above our Thanksgiving table.
So what was that about more lessons from Frozen? I digress. Here it is- I have heard the song “Let it Go” more times thant I can count. But other than the easy to sing along chorus, I had never listened to the verses. Well, here they are for those of us who always wanted to know in verse 2…
It’s funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
Can’t get to me at all!
It’s time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me I’m free!
Fast forward to the end of the song…
Let it go, let it go
And I’ll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone!
Have you ever heard of the Red Hat ladies? I fondly recall my band director Mrs. Kramer was a proud member of this group. It seemed pretty crazy to the high school version of me. Wear red hats and hang out with older ladies, many of which dressed in purple with boas to further accent the red hats? I didn’t get it.
Perhaps all along the idea was that of the Let it Go song lyrics- letting go of what other people think and expectations they have to no longer hold yourself back. Confidently facing the future and aiming higher than you ever dreamed, achieving far more than the expectations those close to you have had. How many times do we hold ourselves back from new ideas big and small because of fear of what others will think? Challenge yourself to something more this holiday season. Maybe it’s singing Christmas carols at the top of your lungs at a Salvation Army bell ringing station. Maybe it’s filling half your Christmas tree with ornaments made with love from your younger set, no matter what comments your childless friends may make. Or maybe it’s giving a little more time and attention to that career goal or business dream or volunteer position you’ve always wanted to pursue, but were too fearful to act on and investigate further. Or maybe it’s cutting back, relinquishing some roles or cash for the joys of spending more time with your family.
Let it all go this holiday season- no need to follow every little tradition, or decorate every inch of your home to perfection, and instead focus on the meaning of the season. Open hearts, open minds, and open souls to the whole reason we’re on this earth anyway. Surely it has much more meaning than just decorations and Santa Claus. Make an effort to let it go, and lift your voice high into the heavens, praising the Savior who gives us the ultimate freedom to worship God without the trappings of sin and doubt. Rest assured that our place in heaven is not reserved through the perfection we achieve in life, but the perfection that was attained by that One perfect Person on that cross at Calvary. Let this confidence inspire you this Christmas season and always!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Jill
Jill Murphy
Owner/Physical Therapist
MotionWorks Physical Therapy