Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind is FAMILY. I have two kids and my youngest is going to experience Christmas for the first time. I realize she won't remember a thing but at least we can show her pictures when she gets older. My son also won't remember this Christmas but he's at the age when he can at least get involved with opening presents and getting excited about what's inside. I love going to church on Christmas Eve - getting all dressed up and singing carols. I remember one particular Christmas Eve, after the service ended we walked outside and it was snowing like crazy! You know, the really big snowflakes that fall slowly to the ground? Ah, it was beautiful. Ever since then that's the picture I get in my head when I think of Christmas Eve...that and a big mug of hot cocoa!
Aside from family, I'm also celebrating answered prayer. This past year has been full of challenges and victories. When I think of where Cale was a year ago compared to where he is now, I can only contribute his progress to answered prayer. He wasn't even able to sit up yet on his own and now he's close to walking. Amazing! He can eat more foods and eat them well. He's able to communicate with us through sign language and gestures whereas this time last year it was just a guessing game...a very frustrating guessing game. Again, answered prayer. We also gave birth to a HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL baby girl and this time last year, although she was only the size of a peanut and deep inside my belly, we could only hope for a full-term pregnancy and a smooth delivery...answered prayer! My family is healthy and thriving and at the risk of sounding redundant, it's only because of God answering our prayers. We are so blessed this Christmas season.
Ok, so I'm celebrating family and answered prayer but I can't really celebrate those things without including the Giver of everything I have to celebrate: our Lord, Jesus Christ. After all, it is His birthday that this season is all about. He has been my ultimate provider - He's given me a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. He's provided my husband with a thriving career that in turn has allowed me to stay home with my kids. He's put a roof over my head and kept food on our table. He's provided many coffees throughout my years which may sound trivial, but coffee brings me great enjoyment and for that I am thankful. :) He's also provided me with WONDERFUL friends, all of whom have kept me sane when I could have easily spun off into a different galaxy. Our support system in our little town of Missoula could not be more sound and for that I will forever be in debt. My family could not have survived this last year without the incredible people in this town. God has also provided all of the resources to get the help Cale needs - therapies, insurance, pediatric specialists, and most importantly the funds needed to afford the aforementioned things. God has really taken special care of us throughout the year, and for that I will celebrate. Also, my mother, father, and sister...it started out as just the four of us and although we have now married off and gone our separate ways, I still reflect on the Christmas traditions we created as a family and only hope my very own family can create meaningful traditions like the ones we used to share. I'm so blessed to have a mother who is also my best friend, a father who to this day is my Knight in shining armor, and my sister who would still let me hang out with her and her friends if given the chance. I still feel like the baby in the family whenever we all get together, even though I'm married now and have two kids, but in some ways that's the most comforting place to be. The Lord could not have raised me up in a better family than the one I grew up in. For that I will be eternally blessed.
So I leave you with this question: What are YOU celebrating this Christmas season?
2 comments:
What an encouraging post (just found you). :) Glad to see that God is still so faithful in others' lives too. I'm thankful for that. Also, the things that come out of MY little blessing's mouth. They keep me rolling.
Love to you & your beautiful family!
Well punkie...I've seen your dad sob approximately 3 times during our 26 years of marriage. I printed this blog for him tonight and he was about 1/4 through his reading when he was crying like a baby. I held him and he finished and he continued to cry. Happy tears but heart felt tears. You have such a talent...such a good heart. All families are dear to each other....but I must say....our family with extended to be included are so very special. You rock Erica. We love you more than life :) xooxoxoxo mom
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