JANUARY 2 AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

I am now sitting here with the glow of the Christmas lights reflecting off of my computer screen. My house is so quiet, but I can still hear the echoes of laughter, quiet whispers, silly boys with their “British” accents, and the hum of music in the background as our home seems itself to be entertaining. Home. Family. Blessings. After I rest a bit I will get up to start undressing the tree which seems only days ago we were in such a hurry to get up. But as I sit here now I am just enjoying the peace, the quiet and watching the lights twinkle on. Each holiday season comes with it a lot of the same. The same stockings, tree, inside and outdoor decorations. As I get these decorations out each year is like getting to see old friends again. The memories are new though, every single year. This year as I sit here in the glow of the twinkly lights my mind goes over all of the new memories made (and there were a lot) and I feel so blessed, but also a bit saddened as my last baby left this morning. Do we ever get used to those goodbyes??? There is something about having us all under one roof, that makes it seem more like Christmas, that makes it seem better, seems to make everything a little better. Our dishwasher decided to give up between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year so I found myself doing most of the hand washing, but also was happily surprised when my guys also came in and washed a dish or two. Family, blessings, memories.

This year I tried hard, (as I do every year) to stop, be still and savor this time. I felt like I got to do that. However, it was not about the food that we ate or I prepared. It was not about gifts in our stockings or that were under the tree and opened. Family. Special times spent together. Saying goodbye to work and all else, to everyone else and just focusing on us for a bit. Ohhhh how I cherish this time and these memories!

I am reminded how this special time, this celebrated holiday time I share each and every day with Jesus. A time just for the two of us. No one else, just me and Jesus. He feeds me with just His words, and He is always the special gift which I open. Every. Single. Day. Something just magical happens when you realize that He loves you. Jesus loves you. He loves you. Jesus really and truly LOVES you! And He loves you from the inside out!

So I think I will sit here a bit longer, enjoying our beautiful tree, thinking of all the next year holds for me and my family and how utterly grateful I am for it all and the precious new memory being made for me, right now.

Happy Blessed New Year 2024!!!! In Jesus Amazing Love!

Psalms 98 Isaiah 43:18-19

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