Christmas has come and gone; all the items on the shopping and to-do lists have either been crossed off or they haven't. My family celebrated; we ate, we gave and received gifts.
I wondered how our Christmas celebration would be this year, the first that our daughter didn't come home. She celebrated with future in-laws and won't be returning home until New Year's Day when he arrives to prepare for her wedding. My family is moving into that interesting phase in life in which we will have to take turns and share our children with others. This may well have been our last Christmas to have had our son home with us for some while. His plans remain uncertain, but his hope is that next year he will be with a military unit, serving, somewhere.
During the week leading up to Christmas, I had the opportunity to help out a friend with some carpooling logistics. Her daughters and I talked along the way about how we planned to celebrate Christmas this year. One asked if there was anything in particular I wanted for Christmas.
I thought for a moment and then told her, I've already received so many gifts--gifts of beauty and music and joy, of time spent with family and friends; of moments of laughter that I will hold onto and remember in the years to come, as our family moves away, continues to change and to grow.
And so it's time to throw away the shopping and to-do lists and return to an old familiar list--my list of gifts received from the hand of my Father; all of which fit perfectly, each being exactly what I wanted, none of which need to be exhanged or returned.
686. Getting the Swedish meatballs made (using beautiful mother-in-law’s family recipe).
687. Opportunity to help widow-friend get her Christmas letter printed and mailed.
688. Multiple ways God revealed His presence to friend in death of her father.
689. Soldier-husband being able to return from battlefield to be with her.
690. His safe arrival.
691. True comfort for those who mourn in the One who came to earth to taste our sadness.
692. Friends stepping up to offer time and talent for daughter’s wedding.
693. Christmas Eve with brother’s family—good food, laughter, joy.
694. Oldest nephew soaking up the attention of time with his cousin, my son.
695. Christmas morning breakfast, lovingly prepared by beloved Swede.
696. Peak-to-peak=oven pancake filled with freshly whipped cream and fruit.
697. Husband thoroughly enjoying gift chosen by future son-in-law.
698. Husband and son bonding over manly-men Christmas gift.
699. Son smiling big.
701. Grandparents joining us to celebrate Christmas morning.
702. Ethel’s daughter and new husband home for short but ever-so-sweet Christmas visit.
703. Brother inviting son to spend Sunday afternoon with his boys; beautiful time with extended family and a blessing all around.
704. Day after Christmas snowstorm—White Christmas, a day late!
705. Losing power (and heat) overnight, but being able to walk to in-laws for a hot cup of coffee by the fire.
706. The blessing of my in-laws being realized over and over again.
707. Marking their 50th wedding anniversary three days before Christmas.
10 comments:
We are enjoying that same snow, Nancy! We were blessed with a dusting Christmas morn--just enough to make it all clean and tidy.
A beautiful gratitude list here, friend. Sounds like your heart has it all in the right place :).
A beautiful sentiment, Nancy. With our married daughter living right here in town with us, I know what a blessing that is. I hold on to these sweet memories. #698 and #704 - same here!
I love your line -- my list of gifts received from the hand of my Father; all of which fit perfectly, each being exactly what I wanted, none of which need to be exhanged or returned.
How good the Father is to us -- many of His gifts are so different from the gifts of the world. Thank goodness!
It is difficult to move into another season of our lives when children must be shared. We woke up to a quiet house this Christmas...just my husband and I...first time in 27 years. But God has a way of showering us with love and grace for all those difficult times.
May you continue to live out Christmas each day and share His love with those who are in your world.
blessings
~a
Nancy,
I love this line, "return to an old familiar list--my list of gifts received from the hand of my Father; all of which fit perfectly, each being exactly what I wanted, none of which need to be exhanged or returned."
He always knows doesn't He? So why am I always trying to fight it?
it sounds like you had a lovely but challenging christmas, friend. change is always hard. yet you still find the joy, the good, in it all. i've missed you. xo
<3 698
I enjoyed this post and Just wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy New Year.
wonderful, Nancy.
and we are starting to notice the change...
it's bittersweet , but brings blessings I could have never imagined.
love to you.
Dear Mother of the Bride, congratulations! Welcome to the Skype club. I know it well. God bless this new chapter in your life. Hugs.
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