December 26, 2008What a beautiful Christmas Day! I was reflecting this morning of a Christmas Day that I might have enjoyed more than Christmas 2008. As I strolled back through the years I found many memories that produced fondness, and joy. There were memories of smells, tastes, feelings, nostalgia and much more. So what was it that made this year so special? There were certainly elements of this Christmas that are hardly perfect. My youngest daughter and her husband, their dog Wally and our granddaughter that will be born in April….the delightful Baby M was not with us on Windridge Drive. They were over 6000 miles away and for all practical purposes, alone in a place that only recognizes the day as a holiday rather than a celebration of the birth of our savior. Our gift giving historically has seen more profitable years and our country may never have seemed more stressed and anxious. So what was it that made this year special?
I call back the sounds and images of yesterday. I remember feeling pleasure that I was able to have my list of accomplishments completed thanks to some late nights and a Christmas Eve all nighter. I smile at that. It is something I am often scolded for but I only feel it a price well spent as I reap the profits of feeling compelled to finish. When the children started arriving, I was able to sit with them and chat instead of scurrying about trying to “ finish up”.
I was able to enjoy the excitement of trip after trip of “car unloading” and the careful placement of all the treasures presented on this day of gift giving.
The Christmas Tree loaded with presents
It was nice to work together with the girls as we organized the food offerings in the selected spots and exclaim over each dish and recipe.
Larry and the guys looked appropriately busy, a ploy I have discovered, that keeps them out of harms way.
We had TWO phone calls from Missy & Wes in Australia! Everyone got a chance to talk and ask questions as the phone was passed around for an hour each time. In spirit they were not alone at all…but among us…laughing and talking loudly with excitement as our numbers grew.
Talking to Missy
My parents, granny & papaw, were able to share the day with us. It was a special treat for everyone and we were thankful health and the weather cooperated to bring them to us. Their participation gave the gift of tying the young ones to generations past. It gave us all the imprint in our memory of their smiles, wit and dignity and role modeled, as the elders of our group, how to fill these important shoes someday.
Papaw & Granny
When the gift exchange time came, somehow my homemade efforts and small purchased offerings made me feel proud…that God had gifted me with ways to offer tokens of my love.
Josh runs a car up the living room wall!
Love was really the guest on Christmas. It flowed between us and was the honored host through out the day. Each bit of sharing and laughing and fellowship was proof and bore witness to Love’s existence. As I remember each face I find I cherish most of all that we each came for one sole purpose… to be together and in doing so exchanged the greatest gift of all…our love.
Love was really the guest on Christmas. It flowed between us and was the honored host through out the day. Each bit of sharing and laughing and fellowship was proof and bore witness to Love’s existence. As I remember each face I find I cherish most of all that we each came for one sole purpose… to be together and in doing so exchanged the greatest gift of all…our love.
This Christmas may you hear God’s love
through the Christ Child, His Word of Love.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” John 1:14
Wishing you a Season of Peace!
through the Christ Child, His Word of Love.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” John 1:14
Wishing you a Season of Peace!
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