The Quiet In-Between

Do you notice, or maybe it’s just me, that you hold your breath when smiling for a photo? We suck in a big inhale and freeze. It’s habit or pattern or maybe we are just trying to posture ourself in a way as women to look thinner or as men try to puff out their chest or broaden their shoulders or something of that sort. It’s just what we do as humans. And, yes, we capture some truly delightful photos while holding our breath. Yet some of my very favorite captures are the relaxed in-between moments. As we walk from one spot to the next. Guard down, we chat casually about life. We share stories. We breathe.
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Today in the in-between we still sit in the glow of the Christmas tree, still cozy in our Christmas PJs, the clatter of Christmas toys being thoroughly enjoyed, the Jesus Storybook Bible still open to page with a baby in a barn, a warm cup of coffee in my Santa mug in my hand, a jazzy instrumental version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas plays softly in the background.
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We are holding on to the magic still. Or maybe finally truly seeing it for the first time this season.
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I’m wrapping up edits for this year before we head north for vacation for a spell celebrating Christmas with my husband’s family, the last batch of presents from under the tree in tow. There’s more magic to come.
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I used to dread the Christmas let down. All the building anticipation for the day comes to a halt on December 25 as your head hits the pillow. But these days I’m loving it. Because we decide when the halting stops. Because the quiet space gives us room. Room for pause, room for reflection, room for peace, room for pure & simple joy, room to exhale after the long holding of breath in the whirling pace of things, room for Him.
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We are holding on, gently, in the quiet in-between to each and every slow moment with room to breathe.
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And we just might stay in our Christmas PJs all day.