So today I sit peaking past the Christmas tree, watching snow fall outside, thinking of Christmases that have come and gone, traditions I will miss, and family that I love so much.
That being said, the traditional Norman Rockwell painting my family is not. Picturesque moments we do not have. Rather, belly laughter that does not stop, silly gifts that reflect personalities, and blouses covered in flour make our photo opportunities.
So, that being said, here are some of the things I will miss the most about being with family for Christmas. I will miss my dad asking when the meal will be ready...even though my mom and I have been standing in the kitchen for hours cooking while the rest of the family sits in the living room watching movies and taking cat naps. I will miss playing bingo for $1 gifts and hearing my dad call the numbers as if he had a part-time job as a bingo caller. I will miss watching my brother laugh as he opens yet one more t-shirt with some ridiculous saying on it. I will miss putting frosting on cookies with my sister, all the while trying to convince my father that purple frosting tastes just like blue frosting. I will miss watching my mom open an unexpected gift that makes her cry, while I cry right along with her. I will miss it all, yet, with the birth of Noah, I know that family Christmases are just beginning again for our family.
I encourage each of you to look past the little things that drive you crazy at Christmastime, the habits that your family has that makes you bite your nails. Take the time to remember that each member of your family has been created to be just like they are and that God placed you in the care of your family for very specific reasons.
For Mark and I, we will remember that Christmas is a birth story. I think of Mary, big and pregnant (not unlike me), trying to find a place, any place, to have her baby...our Jesus. We will remember to love deeply and to treasure the family and the memories we have of family so far away.
Love to all of you this Christmas season.
“But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”- Luke 1:30-33
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