Friday, December 21, 2007

Retraction

My post yesterday was such a bummer for the weekend before Christmas really. And was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek regarding what you say to a 'how are you?' and what you are really thinking...any way.

The holidays really are my very favorite time of the year, sick or not. I love the music, the lights, the snow, the gifts, the scripture, the waiting, the Coming. The story of His birth is my very favorite story. All the other Christmas movies and holiday specials. My DVR list is absolutely jam-packed with holiday shows to watch. My cupboard is full of ingredients to make yummy holiday treats, just as soon as my lung capacity is up and I don't feel quite so yucky. I'm making all kinds of yummies. The holiday outfits, the family get togethers, the nativity. The cards in the mail. The two week break from school. The changing of time to a new year.

It's all just too good. Too good.

Growing up, we didn't have excess, but my family celebrated. We had lots of good food and lots of big family gatherings. Santa always left something on Christmas morning and it was always such fun! The year I got a Cabbage Patch doll, that was memorable. One year, I remember getting a stereo (long after having stopped believing in Santa), and Santa was real to me again. I really wanted that stereo! Christmas has always been something special.

I was talking to my cousin this morning about getting stuck in one's own bummers. I try so hard not to do that. When you think of the scope of the entire world, my world is so magnificient. The fact that I have a heated home, medical care, healthy kids, a career, a car (even one that's in the shop getting expensive repairs), makes me a lucky one. The fact that loved ones who are sick are able to seek treatment. That we are free to make our choices. That we have monthly income to keep paying off bills. It all makes us fortunate. No one is without their struggles, I choose not to let mine get me off track.

So in this blessed season, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. In this season, it is so good to say Thank You Jesus. Thank you for it all.

8 comments:

Heather said...

I meant to comment yesterday and somehow managed to close the window without doing so--have been doing that a lot lately. I do hope you feel better and that God blesses your Christmas regardless (I remember the year we all had chicken pox over Christmas, and the next year when I was sick in bed with the flu. No fun.

Jenifer said...

Have a wonderful Christmas M, and I hope you are on the mend.

Best wishes to you hubby and the kids!

Beck said...

This is a wonderful post! I wish you a joyous, healthy Christmas.

Mimi in the Midwest said...

Mel, get better, NOW! I don't ever think your emails are bummers... you get to tell how you feel. I know it's not your "life" just a little blip on the screen. But your feelings are okay, even Jesus questioned the state of how things were. We need to be shaken from time to time so we remember all of our blessings. Ooops, I think I gave a "20 minute lecture" (as my children called my talks in their teen/college years)Merry Christmas, it will be wonderful!!!!!!!

Mimi said...

Yes. Absolutely right. Good reminder. You are lucky, happy. Me too. Thank you for it all ...

nikkis30by30 said...

Silver lining. There will always be a silver lining. Just like we discussed.

I thank Jesus EVERY DAY for all of you. My family. And not just because you are my family, but one of my dearest friends.

I made yummies too!! And they were a huge hit!! I made Grandma's cherry mash and chocolate covered cherries.... and she approved of them ALL!!!! It was bittersweet, as we discussed before.... but I am happy!

Have a VERY Merry Christmas!!! Hugs to all!!

Aliki2006 said...

I posted below, too. Thanks for the reminder about what the season is all about--love and togetherness, and counting one's blessings.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Katie Brenneman said...

Hope your feeling better and cooking up a storm cuz!