The “Magic Counter” (12/04/2024)

Yesterday, after my morning prayer with coffee and my time writing my blogs, I went to get dressed. As I was picking out my duds for the day, my baking project was very much on my mind. My goal was to get half the cookies needed for the cookie walk done on Tuesday. When I returned to the kitchen, the heavy Kitchenaid mixer was on the island. I squealed out loud to my husband, “I have a ‘magic counter’ where needed things magically appear!” And we both smiled.

Then last evening, a friend and parish sister dropped off the frozen cut-outs I am going to bake today. I put them on my kitchen counter and then she and I had a lovely conversation on the way back to the front door. When I returned to the kitchen to grab the frozen cut-outs, they weren’t there. I squealed again as I said to my husband sitting in his family room chair, “My ‘magic counter’ took care of the cut-outs!” And we both laughed.

Monday evening, before bed, my husband and I had our usual conversation about what was planned for the next day. I mentioned that I was going to begin making cookies at 10 a.m. Knowing that I have trouble lifting heavy items, he decided to help me by putting the mixer on the counter. And knowing that the cut-outs needed to be put in the freezer until baking, he stowed them away while I was visiting with my friend. No magic here, folks, only loving care and kindness for which I am most grateful.

As we make our preparations for Christmas this Advent, let us keep the reason for the season upmost in our minds and let it guide our hearts. Christmas isn’t magic! The LORD saw our need and from love, through love and in love, He sent His only-begotten Son to us. It isn’t magic. It’s love so real it’s a person, the person of Jesus Christ. This Advent, let us think about that. And let our prayers and our actions throughout our days reflect our recognition of the gift our Father Almighty gave to us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.