DAY 6 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

A few months ago, my 10-year-old grandson (who lives with me) wanted to go outside and sit on my front porch and look at the stars. (His class had been studying astronomy and he apparently had become fascinated by the fact that there are interesting things to look at in the world that don’t involve a screen, but I digress…… ) At first we talked about this and that and then he got really quiet. Then he suddenly said, “Granci, I think I’ve set my goals too high for what I want to be when I grow up.” So, of course, I asked what he wanted to be and he said, “I want to be a music teacher, a rock star and a YouTuber.” I didn’t know whether to tell him his goals were too high or too low so I just asked a few more questions and didn’t try to offer any advice – I figure, while the music teacher is a worthy aspiration and one that fits his talents, the other two will take care of themselves. But, that night, I realized that this worry had been weighing heavily on his little 10-year-old heart. We all have things that weigh on us – no matter the age. I think that is why this carol has become one of my favorites. The 3rd verse, which we often don’t sing says And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow, Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing! So, just for a moment today, close your eyes, rest beside your weary road and hear the angels sing.