I’m still in that phase of life where I feel that a live Christmas tree is preferable to an artificial tree. This is not a judgment of artificial trees, which are easier to set up, more affordable, less allergenic, and easier to procure. This year’s tree is, of necessity, taller and skinnier that we’ve gotten in the past. That’s because we didn’t like the location of our tree last year and wanted to change that fact. Last year’s tree blocked off a walking path to the living room and was generally not super convenient.
This year, the tree is in the corner that is the most logical location.
But the problem was, the most logical location was also supremely inconvenient. We needed to move a large chair, which meant we had to move an end table, which means we had to rearrange a different room, which meant we needed to make sure that room had enough for the table to fit well. It was a whole to-do. This is an adjustment that will only be necessary for a brief period of time yet required an inordinate amount of time to execute.
It was worth it.
I confess that I often find myself lacking motivation for the whole, “Spend a lot of time and energy for something that will just go back to normal.” This doesn’t apply to things like laundry, which, while never ending, is a problem that compounds rather than abates with inattention. The prime example of this that I am shamefully guilty of is the clock that will eventually be correct once daylight saving time ends. Yeesh.
There are so many things in life that are easy to pass up because they may be onerous to undertake. These are things that make your life better, but only if you can start them. Did we need to move all that furniture just so we could put a tree in a specific corner? No. Did we need to take the time to go and cut down a live tree? No. Did we need to have a tree in the first place? No. But we did anyway. We’ll undo all of this labor in a mere few weeks, which means the work will have given nothing tangible, just the ephemeral appreciation of a tree being in a specific location.
This is something that I’ve been working on, and something that I will continue to work on. I often get outcome confused with results. If the outcome is impermanent, then it must not be worthwhile. But that ignores that truth that an impermanent outcome can still result in comfort, happiness, gratitude, peace, and life.
We all have those things in our lives. For me, it can be as inane as not wanting to change a clock. But it can also be as important as not feeling up to things that produce bounteous results: exercise, relationships, well-being, love, or joy.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that the result is worth the effort, even if I don’t want to put in the effort. Sometimes I need someone else to remind me, to challenge me, to push me, and to help me move the furniture so the tree is in the perfect place.
Peace,
Jeff
If you're looking for a warm and welcoming Presbyterian church in Brighton, NY, we’d love to celebrate this holiday season with you! Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, located at 1200 S. Winton Road in Rochester, NY, invites you to join us for worship each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or tune in to our livestream on YouTube. While you’re here, consider helping us spread holiday joy by supporting our community programs. You can also connect with us on Facebook or reach out to our office with any questions by calling 585-244-8585 or email us through our secure contact form. Let’s make this season meaningful, together!
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