Several years ago in early October Carole and I were traveling through Switzerland on our way to a bakery show in Germany. We stayed several nights in a small town called Wengen, half way up the Jung Frau Mountain and overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is only accessible by cog railway and there are no cars or motor bikes.

Our first night there, we took an after dinner stroll. The first thing you noticed was the quiet.  You could here the footfalls of people a block away. Our second night I sat on our balcony overlooking the moonlit mountain, the stars so bright you felt as if you could touch them. There were so many stars, coupled with the quiet, you felt as if you were wrapped in a blanket of light and solitude. I marveled at the beauty of our world.

Last week during the cold snap I was walking our dog. I told him to please hurry up but, as most dogs do, he didn't. Looking above at the quiet, crystal clear night, the stars were out and it made me think of that night in Switzerland. The stars were not as plentiful or bright. I realized standing back further that I was looking out with a larger perspective and rather thinking of the beauty of nature I thought of the beauty of life.

I think this is appropriate for Christmas because the Christ child was a gift to the world  and lived a life the same as each one of us is asked to do. My dad used to say, "You only have one life so make the most of it." So this Christmas I hope all of us recognize the beauty that is our gift of life. Please enjoy  and admire the beauty around you which is your family, friends and community.  

Make a special note of our hours this holiday week. The bakery is closed Christmas Day so all the crew can enjoy some time with their families.