Today as we start to put all the Christmas decorations away, I cannot help but think about the Christmas hustle and bustle that went on a few weeks prior. The house looked beautiful with twinkling lights, presents under the tree, family and friends celebrating Christmas with us sitting at the dining room table enjoying dinner and Christmas stories from our past.
Now we go back to normal. We are getting ready to put away the tree, the ornaments, the things that make Christmas special in our home. The beautiful centerpieces that made our dining room table look elegant. Now all that is left on our table is Christmas cards, store receipts, Christmas Card address book and thoughts of the work upcoming for the year.
As I picked up the Christmas cards and reread some along with the beautiful newsletters attached, I realized how blessed I was. These cards represent people who thought about my family and me during the busy Christmas season. I started to pray for each and every person that sent a card that as the New Year 2017 started, that they would receive health and blessings in the coming year.
As I put things away, I thanked God for the receipts that I had because it signified that I had a job to purchase a gift for someone. I thanked God for my family’s health as I saw an unexpected bill from our son’s pediatrician and pharmacy that set us back Christmas week several hundred dollars. Some may ask, how is that a blessing? It is a blessing because at least I had insurance that covered some of it and also because God gave us this miracle who at that moment had a stomach virus and strep throat. My son was a premature baby and they are more susceptible to illnesses due to their under developed lungs and other health issues. It could have been much worse, but because of His grace it was not as severe. I also thanked God because I have the opportunity to work and do the things that I love while also at the same time helping others in need of support through The Gift of Life charity.
When I first looked at the mess, that is what I looked at it as, a big mess and chore to put it all away. But today as we put away all the things that represent Christmas decorations in our home together as a family, I realize I am truly blessed. I am reminded daily that Christmas is the season of miracles and remembering that beyond Santa Claus, we have a Savior that was born on Christmas day.
Happy New Year!
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