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I was delighted when the first snow arrived on October 14th. There have been 3 snows since then but it is not looking likely that we will have a white Christmas, with 50 degree weather predicted.
The first 2 weeks of December I had 6 Christmas parties to go to. They were varied and fun, each in their own way, and I enjoyed interaction with many different people. The week before Christmas, however, was filled with work, fighting headaches and wondering how Christmas would really turn out. (Last year I got sick 2 days before Christmas with a bad cold. I woke up Christmas morning, wishing more than anything to stay in bed but determined not to.) And I found myself still desperately longing for ALL my family, the ones I love, to be together on Christmas day.
This Saturday was not what I would call "fun". I did my work in-between rests and a throbbing head. I was determined to go through with the birthday party for my friend. The headache lifted for a few hours and we had a good evening, but it returned later that night. I was nearly in despair and definitely in tears, but His Presence was always with me.
Sunday morning I awoke with the headache lingering still. I decided to believe for the best and go to church. I went to the 2nd service, instead of 3rd, to make room for the many other activities of the day. I was blessed to find friends to sit with and the service ministered deeply to my heart. At noon other friends came, bringing a delicious Christmas dinner for Mom, Ann & I. In the evening we invited a young family over for snacks and games and enjoyed some interaction with children.
Today the bath aide offered to come help with Mom (although she would not have needed to) so Ann and I went out for lunch (a rare treat these days!). We ended up at IHOP and splurged on this holiday special of "Mint Hot Chocolate".
The time seemed too short but it was good to talk one-on-one without interruptions. Tonight Ann is going with me to the early Christmas Eve service at my church and then we will come home for the traditional Christmas Eve meal of "Chili in a Bread Bowl".
And then, at last, it will be Christmas...Mom, Ann and I...
There will be more good food, presents, fun and togetherness. And in the midst, Jesus, who showers us with love and makes it all worthwhile.
My family won't all be together...some are in heaven, some in far-off lands... No my Christmas isn't "perfect" but still it is the best, for Jesus is the center and He draws us all together in LOVE.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
