''Twas the Night  Before...

This is a different Christmas for my family. While I am truly enjoying my visit in Thailand with Joseph and his family, I can't help but remember our past Christmases together as a family. I must admit there is an emptiness, a missing part this year that doesn't go away. But on the other hand, God's peace and yes, even joy abounds in my heart. As I hear the Christmas carols being sung and see all the Facebook posts about Christmas, I think I am more focused this year on what Christmas is supposed to be about instead of the rush and craziness of typical holidays in the past. 

I have come to realize it is ok to do things differently. Different helps you to prioritize things and focus on the important aspects like time with family.  Sitting and laughing at silliness until you have tears and your side hurts, just to stop laughing, only to look at each other and begin again. Sharing stories of times past and remembering what it was like to be a kid again. 

So as I lay here listening to the soft snores and teeth grinding of my grand babies I am overwhelmed by the love, peace and joy God has gifted me with. Being able to Skype and FaceTime with Michael, Kali, Brian and Michelle and the rest of my family is such an amazing gift that brings us closer together even though we are thousands of miles apart.

The stockings are filled and Santa has made his appearance leaving the special requested gifts and eating his cookies and milk. The excitement in the children's eyes in the morning will be uncontainable. But all that pales in comparison to the excitement of the news of our Savior's birth that was shared oh so many years ago by the angels and shepherds. Someone said to me a couple of weeks ago, "I know this is your first Christmas without David, but just think, this is his first Christmas with the King". That is an awesome thought and more than my mind can comprehend.  He is celebrating with the Savior in heaven this Christmas. How cool is that!

So I wish you and yours the very merriest of Christmases and that you will be filled with the peace, love and joy that only Jesus can give.