Christmas in Florida
I just have to say that I am so very blessed with my family. Being so far away in Kentucky I miss out on a lot of the little things that go on around here: my brother's basketball games, Ryan starting school, my cousin's new house, visits with my grandparents. I always love coming home because I know that I am going to be surrounded with lots of people who just love me unconditionally. The great thing about having such a large family is that things are NEVER boring - especially around holidays!!
This particular Christmas has been one of many emotions. There was a sense of something missing as we celebrated last night and this morning with my mom's side of the family. But this year we were without a few loved members. Beverly, Austin and Ellen are serving the Lord faithfully in Albania, MaryGrace is in Vermont and Kate and Derek are still in Arkansas. We got to talk to a few of them on the phone, but it is not the same as having them here in person to hug and joke around with. Also, we were missing the woman who probably loved holidays and family more than anyone else I know, my grandmother. It has been over a year since her Alzheimer's has taken over and we had to place her where she could better, full-time care. We went out to visit with her yesterday - but it was so hard watching the vacant, abandoned look in her eyes. She didn't even recognize my mom this time. Then last night, we experienced the holy act of communion together as a family - one of my favorite traditions. This moment was especially meaningful to me coming off of the semester and particularly the last few weeks that I have. When we got back to Jody's house for the Christmas Eve feast - Ben brought in a sense of joy and excitement as he announced his engagement to Kara!!
Today was all-together different. We started off the morning with the typical child-like Christmas excitement, supressed by trying to be grown-up and cool. =) While opening presents we received a call from my cousin here in town saying that his grandfather (on his mother's side) has passed away last night. Not too long after that, we got a call from my uncle, my dad's brother, saying that his home had been hit by a tornado last night - his backyard was destroyed and the garage severly damaged. Feelings of sorrow for the passing of Dan, and frustration over the damage at Vance's house seemed to be very misplaced on this otherwise joyous day.
This afternoon as I looked around the lunch table, I was amazed at how all the cousins have grown up - we are successful, happy, growing people. What a blessing to be a part of this family!! Then of course, we experienced the joy of celebration - today is my brother's birthday!! As we gathered around him to sing Happy Birthday I remembered that Christmas morning 15 years ago when my mom and dad woke me up to do Santa at 5am so she could get to the hosptial. Now my little brother is not so little and Santa comes a little later in the morning.
So whatever you were feeling today: joyful, sad, lonely, confused, hurt, blessed, content - let us remember the greatest gift and emotion of all - peace. How thankful am I that Christ came as the Peace child - once on that night in a barn, and here recently in my own heart. Merry Christmas.
This particular Christmas has been one of many emotions. There was a sense of something missing as we celebrated last night and this morning with my mom's side of the family. But this year we were without a few loved members. Beverly, Austin and Ellen are serving the Lord faithfully in Albania, MaryGrace is in Vermont and Kate and Derek are still in Arkansas. We got to talk to a few of them on the phone, but it is not the same as having them here in person to hug and joke around with. Also, we were missing the woman who probably loved holidays and family more than anyone else I know, my grandmother. It has been over a year since her Alzheimer's has taken over and we had to place her where she could better, full-time care. We went out to visit with her yesterday - but it was so hard watching the vacant, abandoned look in her eyes. She didn't even recognize my mom this time. Then last night, we experienced the holy act of communion together as a family - one of my favorite traditions. This moment was especially meaningful to me coming off of the semester and particularly the last few weeks that I have. When we got back to Jody's house for the Christmas Eve feast - Ben brought in a sense of joy and excitement as he announced his engagement to Kara!!
Today was all-together different. We started off the morning with the typical child-like Christmas excitement, supressed by trying to be grown-up and cool. =) While opening presents we received a call from my cousin here in town saying that his grandfather (on his mother's side) has passed away last night. Not too long after that, we got a call from my uncle, my dad's brother, saying that his home had been hit by a tornado last night - his backyard was destroyed and the garage severly damaged. Feelings of sorrow for the passing of Dan, and frustration over the damage at Vance's house seemed to be very misplaced on this otherwise joyous day.
This afternoon as I looked around the lunch table, I was amazed at how all the cousins have grown up - we are successful, happy, growing people. What a blessing to be a part of this family!! Then of course, we experienced the joy of celebration - today is my brother's birthday!! As we gathered around him to sing Happy Birthday I remembered that Christmas morning 15 years ago when my mom and dad woke me up to do Santa at 5am so she could get to the hosptial. Now my little brother is not so little and Santa comes a little later in the morning.
So whatever you were feeling today: joyful, sad, lonely, confused, hurt, blessed, content - let us remember the greatest gift and emotion of all - peace. How thankful am I that Christ came as the Peace child - once on that night in a barn, and here recently in my own heart. Merry Christmas.
posted by Liz @ 8:03 PM
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