I don’t know about you, but life seems to have sped up on me. As I review my schedule I know it is related to my increased workload at my job, and my increased home responsibilities amidst the enduring months of this pandemic. Yet, as we come to the final week of Advent, my schedule seems to be slowing down, and that’s a real blessing.

In recent weeks, I’ve been able to release two podcasts for Among Women. The first one is dedicated to caregivers and I hope if you are a caregiver, you’ll appreciate the resources offered there. Listen by clicking here: AW 254: Thanksgiving for Caregivers

The second one just came out this past week and offers a little perspective as we approach Christmas, plus offers a delightful new book for children, I’m A Saint in the Making. Plus I do something I’ve never done before, I read aloud an essay from Charles Dickens, “What Christmas Is As We Grow Older.” Something about that essay just tugged at my heart as we’ve all faced many losses with the pandemic, the most important being the death of loved ones, and an increasing awareness of our own mortality balanced against the hope of heaven. It’s a bittersweet read, but a reconciling one, too. Listen to the whole podcast by clicking here: AW 255: A Saint in the Making

Podcasting is a joy for me, but it has been a time struggle with my increased pandemic-related stressors in recent months. That said, the temptation is strong to “add more” to the current slow down, and I’m resisting it. I’m finding the need to rest and recharge needs to part of this season’s “Christmas list.”

That said, I’m committed to preparing and recording Among Women, and I’m going to be kicking off the new year by doing a monthly Espresso-shot series on Mary — her important feast days and titles. And since we’ve just learned that we are in the Year of St. Joseph, I’m sure I’ll be adding some new notes about him as we talk about Mary. Plus, I’m looking forward to a new guest line up starting in January.

So, I’m resting…. that’s good for my creativity and allows me to plan what’s coming next with care. And I hope you have some down time for rest and recreation, too, in the coming days. And I hope Among Women will be a part of your time.

If there’s a topic you’d like to hear me cover of Among Women when it comes to Mary, or some other interest you might have, let me know. I’m still the only one who answers the emails at amongwomenpodcast@me.com or the Facebook messages when they come in!

Thanks for listening, and a special thanks to those of you who subscribe!