The Berthas were stacked on the table with care in hopes that Christmas gift shoppers soon would be there. And I with my best pen was ready to sign...but, alas, the shoppers were not to be mine ...so, with thoughts running rampant, I formed a fine whine...

"I've spent more on gas than I surely can make...I've bills to pay...there's so much at stake..."

Then what to my wondering ears did appear? The voice of Jim Brickman sending carols to the rear...
 

His words were so quick, his voice was so jolly...as he expertly declared that my thoughts had gone folly...he related long ago how his professor would say...take your mind off of How...that's God's business, son...yours is to focus on What...and then he was done...

I sat there in silence...what more could I do...My focus was on How...his words were so true...I'd forgotten my mission of spreading good cheer...I'd listened to the Grinch and his spreading of fear...I counted my blessings and made a new vow...nevermore to let my thoughts wander to HOW!

My mood quickly shifted from worry to bliss...my friends came to support me...what's better than this?

Our laughter so merry...as we sorted the years...from babies to hair color to strange aches to tears...so much was still common...so little had changed...my friends they still loved me...and I felt the same...

Recounting the evening as I drove out of sight..."The bills will be paid...they always have been...and I've just had a tax deductible visit with friends...I love my life!"

  

Jane Jane Carroll, RN, BSN, Life Coach, Internet Radio Host, Author "Bertha-Size Your Life" "Where the Joys Are: Bertha's Guided Journal" www.berthasize.com www.lovingliferadioshow.com info@berthasize.com Who would you get if you crossed Lucy with a popular talk show host?  Why Bertha, of course!  A zany redhead, who is always up to something and drags her sidekick along with her while she's dispensing down-home wisdom and perky advice for finding balance and joy in one's life.  Throw in a conniving nemesis, an antagonistic cat, lime green spandex and high-heels and you've got a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wearing your thinking cap as you read and reread each vignette. Bertha makes the perfect stocking stuffer!