Gifts are made to be shared!

Yes, it is Christmas. And yes, I am writing. But not because I'm avoiding family. But rather because the oldest two are napping, so it's time for some personal time doing what Mama enjoys....reading and writing. This has been one of the most beautiful and fulfilling Christmases. This morning, my husband and I were trying to figure out why.  It's partially because my oldest is my miniature me, full of love for traditions, holiday, special activities, candles, and decorations. It makes it really fun to have a little side kick who appreciates it with as much gusto as I do! It's also partially because the kids are older and thus better able to participate in our activities. But mainly it's because of God's gift to us of a new dream and a new home this year. We finally feel like we "fit".

Here our dreams of gardens and animals are no longer silenced. The kids can run and play, and we have room for learning and for hosting. But like I wrote in my post Home, home is a gift that is more enjoyable shared.  A friend who is notoriously cold came over to visit recently. As soon as she walked in we offered her fuzzy socks and a fleece blanket and she responded "This house is cozy!". I silently cheered as my goal of creating a welcoming place to land was fulfilled.

Gifts are made to be be shared. 

Being part of an office, my husband often partakes of random treats brought in by coworkers. But instead of simply enjoying them himself, he brings home a portion of my favorites to share his joy with me.  

Gifts are made to be shared.

Recently, we got to meet some adorable black lab puppies with the intent of picking out our Christmas surprise. After we played with them, discussed personalities, and....yes....got a bit 'wet' from the puppies, we thanked our friend for letting us come. She responded something to the effect of, "Of course! That's part of the fun, sharing with others!"

Gifts are made to be shared.

Earlier this month, my son and I were cooking up the last of our pumpkins, while we listened to Christmas music and my daughter made Christmas crafts. It was literally a perfect "Instagram" moment.  Yet, I was lonely for some adult company in that moment.  Gifts are made to be shared. Having my husband there to watch the kids together would have made it perfect. 

The best two gifts I've received this year are the gift of Jesus' forgiveness and the hope of His return. Recently, I've been contemplating my need to forgive others out of the depth He has forgiven me. This gift is meant to be shared. Jesus is waiting, as a gift for you to open this Christmas. He's my favorite gift to share and the one for which I'm most thankful.  And His offer stands, that He's coming back for all who choose Him. Will you open His gift? 

This Christmas, which gift will you share? Is it the gift of your home, your food, or a favorite tradition? Simply giving the gift of your time is of arguably greater importance. My heart grieves this year thinking of friends who've lost family members. As you eat leftover ham with homemade cranberry sauce (mmmmmm!), my prayer is that you'll open up and enjoy the greatest gift...Jesus. 

Merry Christmas from my loud house of a new puppy, excited children, our original dog who is freaking out about the puppy, and a highly verbal toddler. May you have blessed moments with family, and may the loudest ones take naps. 

Sojourning with you,

Felicia

Gratitude is a verb

I feel like the holidays rush into each other at the speed of a freight train. We celebrate Thanksgiving, then the next day it's Christmas already! This being the first holiday season in our new house makes me even more thankful for new traditions, more space for hosting people, and enjoying the winter wonderland views from the living room windows.

We had such a blessed Thanksgiving with family and adopted family! My heart was filled to overflowing with joy and thankfulness to the point of tears.....though I was weary by day's end. Filling two tables with loved ones and food fulfills some deep part of me. One of the best parts was when we went around to share what we were thankful for over the last year. 

We wrote them on little scraps of paper, then shared them with the group. My daughter collected them so we could hang them on our 'gratitude tree'.  Gratitude for bacon, trucks, family, health, Jesus, spouses, and new seasons of life were hung up on the tree as yellow and red 'leaves of gratitude'. 

Gratitude changes people. It lifts the tiredness, strengthens weary arms, and helps to carry a heavy burden. It gives new focus and renewed appreciation for what you have. 

Whenever I hear of a loved one struggling with health issues, suddenly the petty concerns in my life fade.  My perspective quickly changes as I'm reminded again not to take health for granted, and to simply be thankful for health and family, letting everything else fall to the side. 

One day as we walked into Costco, I randomly (I think God timed it) started explaining to my kids how people that worked to protect our country wear special veteran hats or coats. We talked about watching for them and telling them 'Thank you'.  Well, as I'm sure you can guess, as we walked down the main aisle there suddenly was a veteran shopping near us.  "Excuse me sir!" I said to get his attention, then turned to talk to my daughter. "This is what I was just telling you about! Do you see his special hat? That means he fought to protect our country."

(I got tears in my eyes when I told this story to my husband) Those beautiful little blue preschool eyes looked up at the elderly gentleman and said in her sweet, unprompted voice......"Thank you!"

The gentleman began to share his story and how he knew of an even older veteran. Gratitude changes people. That day in Costco, that man was noticed and appreciated for how he had lived his life by a little girl with blue eyes.

Recently we purchased a used bedroom set and needed to pick it up from the owners. The gentleman was a retired serviceman who had served over 40 years. I noticed his hat collection, and thanked him for serving our country. As the night progressed while we were loading up the bedroom set, he began to share details of where he met his wife and where he had been stationed. When everything was finally loaded, he bid us farewell, sent holiday best wishes, and thanked us for our support. His countenance changed when he was noticed and appreciated for his life's work. Gratitude changes people. 

Who else needs to hear these words? Is it the busy checker at the store? Is it a faithful friend who always listens? Is it a veteran wearing a special hat? It's too common in our culture to take people for granted, and to be self-focused instead of expressing appreciation for those around us. 

But gratitude gives strength to the weary, courage to the fearful, and a sense of value to those who feel ignored. When you are noticed and appreciated for something you have done, it makes you want to serve more. It also makes you start noticing how others have served you. Gratitude becomes contagious, as you spread it to others. 

In this busy season of shopping, parties, programs and preparations, can we be people of gratitude? People who are not too busy to notice those around us and tell them we appreciate their work. 

I'm thankful for you. Thank you for sharing this space with me and for your patience when I don't show up during busy seasons. You make my heart happy and I'm grateful for our time together. 

Sojourning with you,

 Felicia