Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Reflectively Christmas

How has it taken 50 years to click?

Sometime in late October, the question being asked in our house is "Where's your list?"  We pester until a list appears, put on the fridge so everybody can see it, with wants, needs, suggestions for Christmas.  This year my daughter reluctantly put up a list, saying she didn't want to know what she was getting.  I was a bit taken aback at first.  From the age she could hold a pencil and scribble, she would produce Christmas lists.  I've saved a few over the years, mostly because the misspellings made us all howl.  Not wanting to come up with a list??  It dawned on me that what she was really saying was that the people who love her should know her well enough to know what she needs or wants, what would make her feel loved by opening. So, I diverged from her list and put a few things in a bag that I thought might be special to her and I think she was pleased and surprised.

I find myself overcome on Christmas, usually tearing up over gifts.  I don't deserve any of it.  I am not a great housekeeper, not a great cook, I forget to stay caught up on ironing, often I forget to keep enough groceries in the house to make a decent dinner.....and yet, Christmas comes and I am blessed by things I didn't ask for yet suit me to a T.   Someone loves me.

How amazing this demonstration of grace and love on a small scale.  How AMAZING that God sent his only son to live here and DIE in my place!

4 comments:

  1. God's love is the BEST gift and we are all so undeserving.I am thankful for this and the many added blessings He gives daily.

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  2. you always have a cup tea or coffee waiting. You have a tender ear to listen and a soft heart to guide. These are a few things that come to mind and I find them utterly priceless and soo precious. You have demonstrated His love and grace countless times, amazing how God uses those who feel like they can't cook well, or keep a stock of food but those around her do not go hungry.They are well fed. love ya Prayer Warrior!! Warrior!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. I can so relate to you in the list of things I don't necessarily do well - & to your daughter ... in the understanding that those who love you most should "just know" what you need/like/want ... and having to ask for it seems selfish & makes whatever it is you've asked for & been given seem less special/meaningful. I've wrestled with that for a while...the whole Christmas list thing. I think if I had it to do over again I would not ask my kids to make Christmas lists. Insofar as you're concerned, I'm reminded that His strength is made perfect in our weakness ... & from my vantage point, He's working that specialty of His so beautifully in and thru' you. Such a sweet & thoughtful post.

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  4. Peace love and many more blessings to you!The blessing of family and love and good health..yes that's what it's all about.

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