OK so much for a letter of the alphabet EVERY DAY in November with a gratitude connected to it…. lesson learned – never publicly declare something you are unprepared to back up! But… I MEANT TO DO IT… so that should count, right? Judge me by my intentions…
Nothing deep today, just a little reflection on the holiday past (Thanksgiving) and the holidays upcoming…
My overwhelming impression of Thanksgiving at our house this year was that it was NOISY!! But what a glorious noise it was…. laughter, conversation, running (kids, bigger kids (age 31), four dogs and a cat)(in 1400 square feet) – there was no yelling. No slamming. No sirens. No crying. How sad that those noises are what a lot of people identify with the holiday season.
As for me, I love the holidays – the lights, the music, the shopping, the crowds – I usually make it my mission to go to the mall a couple of times and just SMILE at people so they have seen at least ONE friendly face while they are out there fighting the good fight. How can you not be happy when there is chocolate peppermint EVERYTHING out there?? Peppermint Mochas (I love the red cup season at Starbucks), Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Stick Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce, I could go on, and on…
But, it’s not really about the food, is it? Or the shopping? My joy comes from the single most important birth in the history of the world. The reason for the season, if you will. The point blank declaration from God that He loves me and sent His son. Hard to believe? Perhaps. But just because something is unbelievable does not make it false. Rather than looking at how believable it is, focus for a moment on what is undeniable. A single birth, followed by a life and death that shaped the history of mankind, and continues to do so thousands of years later.
So, as you’re out there trying to nab the last Xbox, or that flat screen TV – take a moment to ponder what the real message of Christmas is – better yet, ponder it over a steaming hot peppermint mocha… and while you’re in the drive-thru line, go ahead and buy one for the guy behind you too. After all, the joy is in the giving 🙂
YAY GOD 
Yes, Christmas does have a different meaning for me this year…it’s the first Christmas without my Dad, he passed away in Feb. I know how much he enjoyed having his family around during this time and that’s why it was so important for me to get a work assignment within driving range to be able to see my family for Christmas. (Even if it is -23 degrees in MN. 🙂 The last 2 years I have been on the road-far from home and spent Christmas alone. And even though I have met some very kind and inviting people everywhere I have went–there’s nothing better than the comfortable dysfunction of family during this time of year! Love and joy to all….