Christmas gifts are opened, played with, exchanged, returned or put away.
Decorations are slowly being taken down.
Sad trees with no lights and decorations are out by the curb.
The Christmas and New Year's holiday seasons are almost behind us. Company has gone home and our lives are returning to what they were before Thanksgiving.
Weight was gained — guilty as charged — and now it's time to stick with our New Year's resolutions.
So far, I'm on track, and it's not even 2015 yet!
We have been eating a rainbow of vegetables — delicious.
Walking the collies would be easier if the weather would quit drizzling. Since I can't walk, I will ride the stationary bike.
I have spent time in prayer, but still need to spend more time in my Bible.
It is time to clean the house and get caught up on other chores that were neglected while I was baking and cooking.
My husband has been busy cutting up branches and preparing them for the trash.
There's so much to do, but I don't want to lose the wonderful things that happened during the holidays: namely visits with friends, letters received and terrific church services I attended.
But most of all, the grace and peace I have experienced.
We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to display our beliefs with nativity displays, menorahs and other faith-related items.
We are blessed with freedom, and need to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.
My hope is that just because the holidays are gone for this year, we won't lose the grace and patience displayed throughout the season.
Let us reflect on the blessings we will receive from the Lord throughout 2015. Send a note to a shut-in, make the call you've been meaning to make, and have a cup of coffee with a friend.
I wrote to one of Jim's elderly uncles today and we plan to meet friends for dinner tonight and another friend for lunch later in the week.
Please let me know what you will be doing to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.
I hope to see you around town when I am on my jaunts. If you see me, please say "hi."
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Reflect on 2015's upcoming blessings