Friday, December 23, 2016

Dear God,

Every ornament on the Christmas tree holds its own story.  It may tell a story of my mother, my grandmother, or a grandchild.  But there are many that tell stories of saints, Native Americans, the church, a national treasure, or a specific culture.  All them together speak of faith to me.

I take great delight in selecting a fresh balsam, pine, or spruce tree, then driving it home, dragging it into the house, placing it in the tree stand, and then tightening all the screws as it stands tall near the living room window.  I enjoy spraying it lightly with white snow, letting it dry, and putting on strands of tiny white lights.  The real joy begins as I place the ornaments, one by one, all over the nearly 8' tree.  Each time I take an ornament out of its box, I fill with memories, and my soul releases its mounting joy and gratitude.

This morning as I sit in the chair near the window where the tree reflects and it appears there are three, I feel the blessings of wondrous faith.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for the gift
of a
simple tree
that helps
retell the
stories of
faith, family,
and a future
built on
a foundation
of love,
hope, joy,
peace and gratitude.

Love always, Andrea