Reflection

I guess you've noticed by now that I succumbed to blog overload =). I have never attempted day-to-day posting before, and in the end I found I didn't have what it took... I suppose I'm not a true blogger at heart, and by the time Christmas week arrived, I couldn't tie myself down to the computer any longer.

The past week was truly wonderful. The girls and I, along with some other members of our family, got the chance to go out and do a few more things we really wanted to do out in the community, and then Christmas Eve and forward we reveled in family time. It couldn't have been any sweeter, the perfect way to wind up this season that has meant so much to my heart.

On Christmas night we got the chance to do some reflecting with our family about last year, the mind-boggling things that have happened since, and the dramatic way we have been carried from last December to this one. Last year I was immersed in living through a holiday season with the fresh grief and loss of Poppy pressing in, constantly reminding me of what had been given and so shortly after taken away. We celebrated, completely void of the light-hearted bouyancy usually associated with the season, but with a deeper understanding of the amazing gift God gave by letting go of His only son.

Then fast forward one year later, and the changes from last season to this are striking. Unbelievable even. I really have a hard time fathoming it, but I know we got here, one day at a time, until we reached the point that we were able to give out of the overflow of our hearts; so in contrast to that place we were last year, gratefully accepting the prayers and love and gifts being poured into us by others.

Nothing could have been more meaningful to me this year than getting to meet the incredible people we came across as we looked for ways to give to others, just as so many had given to us. I look back at each thing we got to do with so much thankfulness! Not one thing was done without a huge blessing to our own lives, and nothing can replace the joy in being able to see my girls get to experience the other side of Christmas. I could not have asked for a better 25 days.

So many of you wrote or commented throughout the season, and the things you shared made everything all the richer. I am so blessed by you! Like I said before, I'm really not the blogging type, but you have inspired me to keep sharing this journey, and you have made it so worth it! I pray this Christmas was full of meaning and joy for you, despite the particular spot you find yourself, whether in the valley, on the mountain, or somewhere in between. May God's rich blessings be with you as we look forward to the New Year!