Friday, December 18, 2009

Home For Christmas

This is meeting time again. Home is the magnet. The winter land roars and hums with the eager speed of return journeys. The dark is noisy and bright with late night arrivals- doors thrown open, running shadows on snow, open arms, kisses, voices and laughter, laughter at everything and nothing. Inarticulate, giddying and confused are those original minutes of being back again. The very familiarity of everything acts like shock. Contentment has to be drawn in slowly, steadyingly, in deep breaths- there is so much of it. We rely on home not to change, and it does not, wherefore we give thanks. Again Christmas: abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery and magic, the season seems in a way to stand outside time. All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us: we are home again...

From Home For Christmas by Elizabeth Bowen, 1899-1973

9 comments:

Judith and Lance said...

Oh I love this, so well written. I wish so badly I was heading to NC for Christmas, there is NOTHING NOTHING at all like going home.

Anonymous said...

Loved this. Even though I will be going to Kentucky for Christmas (where I never lived), it will feel like home because that is where my parents and sisters with their families will be. So looking forward to those "kisses, voices, and laughter at nothing!" Have a wonderful time!
Beth

Sarah Jane said...

How fun to be able to express oneself so well.

Mary and Justin said...

Can't wait to see you all!!!!

Anonymous said...

Lynne,
Your words so beautifully written.
Can't wait to Hug everybody. And to make our memories this Christmas.
Love You;
Mom Liptak

Ruth Buck said...

Glad you're stateside and "home". Hope you have a wonderful time visiting and soaking up all the love and hugs that come with the visit. Miss you and blessings to you and your family this season!

Kristen said...

Merry Christmas, Liptak family!

Rebecca said...

This is beautiful, Lynne, and so apt. Who was Elizabeth Bowen? Where did you find this?

Anonymous said...

This is delicious, and I feel as if I'm right in the middle of it all.

Thanks for your beautiful Christmas picture which will replace the one on the refrigerator as a prayer reminder.

Jan W.