As each day swirls around me like so many snowflakes in the sunshine, each one different and beautiful, busy and messy, I recognize the value of community, the value of friends and family. Even on the coldest, busiest day, I am reminded of my blessings. One of the greatest blessings in every life is a sense of belonging. And each of us belongs to the greater Texas Pool family. The summer season ends, the birds fly south, the turtles burrow into the creek's muddy banks, the squirrels nest in the tops of swaying grey trees, the frogs rest silently in cool shadows, while Mr. Possum hunts dinner and the rest of us return to the hustle of school and work, athletics, and other activities.

The Texas Pool looks lonely these days. The water is frigid, the woodwork suddenly worn, the leaves and acorns are piled up at water's edge, the slides are rusty with saltwater corrosion, and the snack bar is empty.  I stop by from time to time to visit, tidy up, and check the security of everything. I linger quietly for a bit in the present, but what I am really visiting is the future.  As my gaze sweeps out over the Texas Pool horizon, I see the peoples of the Texas Pool, friends and neighbors whom I love and now miss. The sensation of summer in full bloom embraces me like a wave and warms my heart with the whistles of lifeguards, the splashing of swimmers, and with buoyant music blending with the songs of birds and other creatures creek side. Memories created at the Texas Pool provide a bridge from past to present and beyond. It is in "belonging" that we may rediscover the summertime of our lives even in the coldest winter.

'Tis a season of miracles, and the Texas Pool will need a miracle in 2010 to sign aboard new volunteers, gain new members, book new groups and parties, complete new repairs, to open for a new summer swim season. I believe in miracles, I believe in our community, in our neighbors, friends and families. I still hear the bells ring at Christmastime. As we celebrate together this Holiday Season of hope and of giving, please remember to pray for a miracle of support for our Texas Pool in 2010.  

Till we are together again "seaside" at the Texas Pool,

Merry Christmas everyone!