23rd December
Social, Interrupted
Parties. Dancing. Getting ready and choosing your outfit all give me joy.
I remember we’d been invited to a Christmas party. A friend was hosting and she had a rather grand home. Stunning interiors. Beautifully decorated.
I knew it would be a special evening. Probably there’d be a caterer serving delicious canapés. What’s not to love.
Friends would be gathering. We’d chat and laugh and dance. It would be stunning. An event to look forward to. My husband had taken the night off work especially.
And but. And oh no. And anxiety.
There it was, blocking my exit. Grabbing onto my hand as I left my house “you mustn’t go” it sneered menacingly.
When I arrived, its voice was louder, fiercer and frightening. “Go home” “you need to go now.”
So I did. I left. Right away. Consumed by anxiety.
My husband was sad. Disappointed. Cross. What was this thing that stopped his wife from living life to the full. He came with me. Supported me. Told me it was a liar. Prayed for me. Cared for me.
That night was over a decade ago. It seems so far from where I am now. Looking forward to what’s ahead and enjoying my today. It doesn’t mean life is always simple. But every day I have a choice to dance. To be with friends. To celebrate all I have. To be thankful to have come though that season and into a new one full of promise. Full of hope. Full of joy.
