What else?

Every year, the holidays seem busier than the last! Presents to wrap, gatherings to attend, cookies to bake, busy work days trying to work ahead before Christmas break, (and much to my dismay, still dishes to do!)

It has me thinking, "what else?!"

• What else will pop up on my to-do list?

• What else will we get invited to at the last minute?

• What else do I need to get done this weekend?

Amidst this busy season, I took some time to head back to my hometown over the weekend. I found myself at my grandmother's house, helping to ready her house for hosting our massive family for the holidays. One task after another, we worked on readying her house. Clearing the dining room table, sweeping out the bay in anticipation of the Christmas tree, digging the ornaments out of the attic... there was much to be done! Eventually, it seemed like I was running my grandmother out of tasks. I hesitated for a minute. I was exhausted from a long week, tired from waking up early, and I could feel my muscles aching, a stiff reminder of my body's limitations.

I didn't really want to ask. But it was my only day to help. So I breathed out a soft,

"What else?"

I figured there was something else to be done.... probably my arch nemesis when it comes to household chores... dishes. But instead of another task or request, I heard something I didn't anticipate.

"Thank you,"

was all my grandmother said in response.

And in that moment, all I could do was be grateful that I had dared to ask, "what else?" instead of putting up any number of my excuses as a barrier.

How often do we put off asking, "What else?"

I get it. Life is exhausting. We all have to-do lists a mile long, and not a single one of us has free time. But we miss a precious moment of connection with those we love when we put off asking, "what else?" So frequently in life, we're given the opportunity to go one step further to help others, the opportunity to ask, "What else can I do?" This holiday season, I challenge you to ask someone you love, "what else?" You'll be surprised what you hear back.

And on the inverse, how often do we miss the opportunity to show gratitude to others? To use the pause in the conversation as an opportunity to say, "Thank you." None of us can conquer the challenges of life alone. And luckily, we don't have to. Take a moment to remind those you love how grateful you are that they're here on this journey with you.

So, what else is there to do this holiday season?

Take your service to others one step further, ask "what else" you can do.

And say "thank you" to the many loved ones in your life who make this season the beautiful season it is.

That's all there is to do yet. The rest of the list will handle itself.