The Big Dose of Christmas Post

I’ve tried so many times to start a Christmas-related post, and each attempt has failed.  I have a variety of thoughts that could have been spread out in multiple posts, but I didn’t want to run with and one thing as an entire subject.  To that regard, I have compiled all of what’s going on in the ol’ noggin for one big post.

I must warn you, though, head on, one of the main reasons I wanted to separate these topics is due to the fluctuation of emotional tone each requires.  What I’ll do instead is place either a “:)” or “:(” at the beginning of each section so you’ll know what to expect.  That way, if you want to skip all the sad stuff, you can.  If you want to only read the sad stuff, well… what the heck???

Here goes…

:( Pebbles.  Monday was an especially sad day for me as I had to say “goodbye” to my dog since childhood, Pebbles.  She lived a great life of 16 years, and had given the family plenty of wonderful memories.  As she got older, leg problems and other pain really began to set in.  This wasn’t going to be an easy decision, but having to make it so close to Christmas also was challenging.  You always wonder if you’re doing the right thing.  I felt we were, for her sake.  I find comfort in knowing she isn’t suffering anymore, but I do miss seeing her everyday.

}:< Wrapping gifts.  Okay.  I apologize for throwing a knew emoticon into the mix like that.  For the past couple of years, I’ve been teaching myself how to wrap my own gifts.  Some people make it look so easy.  I’m slowly learning that it may always be frustrating and there will always be those who can do it better than me.  Perhaps I’m too much of a perfectionist for paper.

:) Done.  On a related note to wrapping gifts, I’m done.   The Christmas shopping is complete.  Everything’s ready to be opened.  Life is good.  Okay, so there always seems to be one more thing.  Regardless, the main stuff is done.

:) God provides.  This Christmas season, I’ve watched God come through and make things happen in some incredible ways.  Financial blessings.  Family togetherness.  A genuine spirit of love.  I’m so thankful for all He’s done to make things come together this Christmas.

:) / :( but mostly :D God heals.  I heard my mom say this Christmas is really special to her because she’s here for it.  That’s because at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  This whole year has revolved around that pretty much.  And after five chemo treatments (with a sixth to boot), God brought her through cancer and she is still in remission!  My mom was given a second chance at life here, and I love watching what she’s doing with it.

Even most recently, a good friend who is slightly younger than me had a heart attack.  He is now home from the hospital with his wife and four-month-old daughter.  Praise God!

I hope when you read this you know what an incredible and awesome God I serve in Jesus Christ.  This Christmas, I have a new appreciation for His birth.  The celebration of this time of year is for His leaving Heaven and taking the most innocent and helpless form as He came to Earth to make a way for all of us.  He began His ministry as a baby, and His coming was a holy time in which the angels declared, “glory to God in the highest.”  It was during this time that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to us.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift you gave us on the first Christmas.  It’s one I’m still unwrapping today.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

P.S. Regarding my mom’s survival, I am forever thankful to the American Cancer Society for all they did in providing money for her treatments.  I encourage anyone to give what you can to the organization that gave so much to her.  My mom still being here is my favorite present this Christmas.