Salud to Life, Love, and You

These days, Liz and I have been trotting around town just the two of us. We have had a busy two weeks with Christmas parties, holiday farewell dinners, and Novenas (a Latin American tradition rooted in the Catholic church celebrating the 9 days before Christmas). Most of our friends, both Colombian and North American, have left for the holidays, and Liz and I are enjoying some rest time. As I type, Liz is sitting in the living room reading a book with candles lit and a Christmas cinnamon scent in the air. MercyMe's Christmas Sessions is playing on our stereo. I feel like I am waking up from a whirlwind of busyness to a calm and peaceful season.

I have just finished reading a book called Can You Drink This Cup? by Henri Nouwen. For those of you who do not know, Henri was a Catholic priest who taught at Notre Dame and other elite schools. He was at the top of his ladder in the professional world when he left it all to work at a home for mentally retarded people. He served as their friend, priest, and nurse-maid. He led a truly amazing, spirit-filled life. He passed away a few years back, but he left a treasure chest in his writings. Most of these books are small and quick reads, but they are filled with a deep understanding for life, suffering, Christ, and purpose.

In this book, he explains the significance of the cup of wine in which Jesus asked two of his followers if they would drink. He then explained what the cup meant to him as a follower of Christ. In brief, he explains the cup as life and all that is in it and all that we do with a cup of wine such as filling, toasting, drinking, and fellowship. As for me, I thought of my life, my family, and my friends. I have finally been able to digest all that the book has taught me in my newly arrived freedom of the season.

So now I sit here, thinking, smiling and typing. My wife is here with me and we are about to have dinner and play some games just the two of us. I am about to enjoy this time with her, and I will drink this moment to the dregs. I pray that you will do the same this holiday with your loved ones. We celebrate Christ this season. We celebrate each other this season. We celebrate life this season.

So, I say salud to you. Now accept your cup, lift it high, and drink it to the dregs.