Life in my fourth grade classroom began the same way everyday: Mr. Lahr called the roll. I spent the first half of the alphabet listening to my fellow students say here as their names were called. I was focused and alert, because if I didn’t say here or present or at least grunt and raise my hand, I would be counted absent. Even if I was there.

You had to pay attention and respond, or it would be as if you weren’t there at all.

Not much has changed since the fourth grade. It takes work to be here during December. I mean really here. I can get so focused on the then that I forget the now.

I charge my camera batteries in anticipation of the joy of Christmas morning, but I miss out on the wrestling match happening in front of the tree on December 22.

I spend time pouring over fun cookie recipes to make with my kids but end up frustrated when all they want to do is fight over who gets to lick the bowl.

Perhaps I should make cookies by myself.

Or.

Perhaps I could shift the goal from make cookies with the kids to make individual batter covered bowls.

It is all about changing our expectations. Because if I’m saving up all my worship and expectancy and joy for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, it’s very likely that I will experience disappointment, conflict, frustration or all three.

So I have an idea. I want to purpose to notice the joy in the everyday. After all, isn’t that what my blog is all about? But December doesn’t feel like the everyday! you say. December can feel more like the crazy. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me on my quest to notice and revel in the daily.

Next Monday, I’m going offer an opportunity for us to share our journey of noticing with each other. It could be as simple as a photo, a glimpse of a treasure you discover while taking a walk or a moment captured during your kids playtime.
A Poppy with his grandson.

A girl all dressed up with no place to go.

A boy caught in the act.

It doesn’t have to be a photo. It could be a story, a memory, or a thought you have that helps you to reflect and notice and celebrate even in the midst of busy and planning and crazy.

It doesn’t have to be about Christmas. I know some of you may not celebrate Christmas or perhaps you aren’t one of those people who turn crazy in December because you have perspective and inner peace and sense. Share that with us.

The only rule is that you notice. And then tell us about it by linking to your post on the Mr. Linky I’ll have set up. You can link to a post you have already done in this theme, but I would encourage you to continue to notice this week, even if you don’t document it.

You have a week to think on it. And to let me know if you have any brilliant ideas on what to call this little project of ours. Now let the celebration begin. Happy December 1.