Monday, December 19, 2022

Dear God,

Your word speaks hope.  It directs us to consider your blessings in our lives.  It buoys our faith.

Yesterday once again I learned the value of your word.  As I stood in the modest, small home of my grandson's fiancée, I savored the opportunity to be with family.  Three great grandchildren, a wonderful blend of hers, his and theirs, were playing with their four cousins. We talked about Christmas as I brought in their gifts and favorite goodies I had baked for them.  My heart was full especially when Cali, the ten-year-old, came over to me, put her arms around me and hugged me for a long time.  I looked at tree ornaments they had made at school, asked questions of all of them and breathed in the air of love before I left.

For all sorts of reasons, for years I have had a fragile relationship with my daughter.  I wish it were not so.  I went years without seeing their family but then one day something changed.  With crazy schedules, distance and all, I only get to be with my grandson's family for about 30 minutes but it is a beautiful 30 minutes.  Hugs, smiles and much joy find their way into my heart and I soak it up!  As I drive away, I think of a line from a movie, "I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special."  

Although it will be difficult to get together again until next Christmas, my soul is glad and I rest in the hope and love you provide!

Blessed are you,

Loving God.

Thank you

for the gift

of Christmas

with family.

Thank you

for your word

that gives hope

over and over again.

Love, Andrea