Christmas Reflections

Last Christmas, not Christmas 2017 but Christmas 2016, my sisters and I were visiting while at my Grandma Alma's about a family friend who had written a book. Her book was about her. Her "journey", from what I understand, had very tough situations. She was raised by a parent with a mental illness and back in the 50s they knew very little about what her mother was dealing with etc. I have yet to read it. She talks too about working through bitterness. We discussed how it is brave to write such a book and we wondered about family criticisms.

I sat right next to my grandma's beautiful Christmas tree again this Christmas and said to Lesha and Natasha "girls, I have a picture of you from last Christmas sitting right where you are now discussing Elaine's book." We went on to ask if you wrote a book about your life, including the hard, true details, would you be criticized by your family? We agree that we would, by ours. I mean, there would always be someone, right?

If you grew up in a home where they is no room for error, you know what I mean. If you did not, you probably don't.

I drove away from my hometown this Christmas a little more confused, still with some sadness and more thankful than last Christmas.

Thanksgivings. My Grandma Alma's home is a safe place where you feel loved and valued. I have spent probably 39 of my 42 years in her home on Christmas night! That is such a blessing. We stayed at Stan and Adie's, it was great. We have four very thankful children. We have lots of loved ones in Lynden and love seeing all of these people! My kids enjoyed spending time with many cousins this Christmas. Jesus birth is a gift to us during good times, bad times, times of death, birth, rejoicing and sorrow. NOTHING changes that. And Jesus birth is something worth celebrating every single year.

Our good friend Travis lost his mom on Christmas Day. She battled cancer. Heaven is now her home. I am sure Lissa, Travis and family shed many tears on Christmas Day and also the weeks prior. But they are a family who knows the gift of Jesus birth. On a very hard day, there was still something wonderful worth celebrating.

Natasha and Reese live in a travel trailer on my dad's property. Their property, that they will eventually build on, is right acrossed from my dad's. We hiked those 36 acres yesterday morning and it was BEAUTIFUL. OLD, tall trees, a pond, moss, ferns, breaks in trees where the light streams in.

I hope there is always a place for the light to stream in.
I hope there is always a frame of mind for the light to stream in.
I hope there is always an attitude for the light to stream in.

Christmas 2017 had a lot of blessings.
I only spent maybe five minutes in my dad's house, but saw sweet memories of my mom. She redid the dining room and family room shortly before she passed away. I loved looking at those walls on Christmas Eve. She painted textured wallpaper a very light, pretty green. Her funeral program still hangs on my dad's fridge. Framed pictures of family are all around.
She was the soft place to land.
I was reminded of a childhood that had a lot of criticism.
I was humbled by the kindness, love and generous spirit of those around us.
I wished for more healing as I drove the five hours home. The kids were soo good and patient on our drive home! Pass traffic was pretty backed up.
I am so thankful for Jesus birth!
A thrill of hope, A weary world Rejoices.