Tis the Season

I've been reading a good book for the Christmas season, "The Unseriousness of Human Affairs." It is a reflection on playing and singing and dancing and philosophizing, how unnecessary these things are in life, and why they are so vital to our existence for that reason. After all, we were not created for necessity but out of love. So when we participate in joyful and unnecessary play, says Schall, we are echoing our very making.

You'll need to read the book for yourself if you want to really know what Schall is saying for I am no great summarizer. So far I am rather impressed with his thought that because we are not God, our affairs are not terribly serious and that some of our greatest opportunities for deep contemplation come not with work but with play.

Why a good book for Christmas? I'm hoping these ideas help me to really relax this holiday season without feeling a bit guilty that I'm doing so. It has so far helped me look forward to playing cards with my family, watching movies, lounging around with Alan and Lucy; at the same time I can better set aside all the little worries that come with this time of year. I am only human, and God will still be sovereign even if our presents don't make it out to Tacoma by the 25th or if my relatives are grouchy.


Nothing is far from God. -- St. Monica