In cleaning up my computer files recently I ran across this story that I’d saved years ago. I can’t remember why I saved it but apparently I liked it then and I still like it now. I’m still pondering this fresh start that 2016 has brought me. Peter’s story reminds me to be careful to not rush through and wish my days away, not even the hard ones or not so fun ones. I should like to savor the moments and the memories of each day. “I should like to live my life again as if for the first time…”
I look back to so many wonderful Christmas memories. My mind turns to a few painful ones as well. As we are celebrating the newborn life of our Savior, our lives continue to live themselves out – and it ain’t always eggnog and candy canes. Some Christmases I’ve wished would linger and some I’ve “Merry Christmas’d” my way through to get to January. All of those Christmases and all of the memories that came with them are a part of my story.
I’m beyond proud to introduce you to our youngest daughter, Anna. She has graciously agreed to offer her honest perspective on how she is approaching Christmas this year with her two older siblings being married. There are 6 years between her and our middle child so as our nest empties she gets the good and the bad parts of being the “only child” now. You can imagine my mom pride as I share this piece with you. Please help me welcome my most beautiful and favorite baby girl, Anna.
This Christmas will be mine and my husbands third married Christmas together. Looking back, our Christmases couldn’t be more different. We had our first married Christmas. A year later, we had our first Christmas with a baby all the while closing on and renovating our first house. This year we are settled in our home, most of the big renovations are finished and we have a busy one-year-old roaming around.
Today I’m feeling particularly thankful. There have been seasons when the words “Happy” and “Merry” in front of any holiday expression were hard enough to say and nearly impossible to feel. On this day, being mindful of my hurts and all who may be hurting, I am reminded of so many things I can be thankful for even in the thick of it.
I didn’t date much before I met Tommy. I had better things to do with my time. I didn’t know the concept of “dating to marry” but that’s pretty much how I approached my dating life. I wanted to be married and if the guy wasn’t someone I would marry then I didn’t go out with him. There were a few bozo exceptions but we won’t talk about them.
I could approach this post from various angles but I thought I’d share with you five of my most memorable dates. Let’s go… I’m sure our kids are going to love this. Haha!
Empty Plate . Full Heart 