What?? Everyone’s getting ready to celebrate Halloween, and yesterday I saw my first Christmas decorations. Outside a supermarket, three young men were stringing lights around several pine trees. Already? I thought, then a dab of panic set in as I wondered, Have I done all my shopping yet? I took a deep breath and smiled. No need to rush. And as I sat in my car and watched the high-schoolers making the market entrance festive, I remembered why December was important to a young newlywed, how her wish came true and the lesson that spirit moves at its own speed.

When Jeanette called for her appointment, the oak trees on the front lawn had dropped little piles of brightly coloured red and yellow leaves. I made a mental note to hire the youngster who lived down the street for a little raking.

I closed my eyes, said a quick prayer, then asked Jeanette’s mom to speak. Mom also brought through Uncle Barry and his wife, who said she was glad whenever Jeanette wore the brooch that she’d left to Jeanette in the will. Then I passed along some information about the house Jeanette and her husband had just purchased, and other minutia that I now can’t remember. But I do remember what Jeanette said when I asked if she had any questions.

"When will Bill and I have our first child?"

She and her husband had been trying to conceive for three years, and the couple was considering a fertility clinic.

In my mind, Jeanette’s mother sharply whispered, December!

"Spirit is telling me that you will pregnant in December," I said. Jeanette was overjoyed. December was two months away, and by the way she was expressing her excitement, it seemed like she couldn’t wait to call Bill for an afternoon delight.

Just after Christmas, I received a downhearted email from Jeanette. She still hadn’t conceived.

I felt a tug in my stomach. Jeanette had been so happy when spirit, through me, gave her that message. In my heart, I knew spirit was never wrong. Had I misinterpreted something? But I’d sensed her mother’s voice so clearly!

For the next few weeks I thought about that reading. And then, as time has a way of creating distance, the memory of Jeanette’s session faded away. Winter became spring, which gave way to a mild summer and a damp fall. The Farmer’s Almanac predicted a harsh winter. I made sure to have enough wood in the basement to feed the fireplace.

On December 15, I received an unexpected call. Jeanette, gushing happily, told me she was pregnant.

My spirit soared. "I’m so happy for you!" I said, and remembered her mother’s word. December! And here it was, December – but one year later. So spirit was right. It just wasn’t the December I assumed spirit was talking about.

That was a great lesson for me. Time is different in the spirit world. There are no clocks on the other side of life. Spirit doesn’t wear a watch. It’s only here on the earth plane that things are expected to get done by some deadline. So now, when spirit gives my client a particularly significant day or month, I add: "But it might not be this Tuesday (or October, or whatever)."

I thought about that as I watched the fellows decorate the pine trees outside the supermarket. So what if I haven’t bought any holiday gifts yet? There’s no rush to go shopping. I’ve got plenty of time.