It Was Time
I was sad taking down the Christmas finery. Megan decorated the home when she was here the day after Thanksgiving. There was never a day since, that we were home that the tree lights were not lit. It had a profound relaxing effect on me.
I have a large tote with a red cover that holds 98% of the goodies. The contents are put in much like a puzzle with each item wrapped in tissue paper. All the ornaments are precious to me as I know the pain of having to replace what is near and dear.
In 1992 we had a huge 10 inch rain in the month of June and the storm sewers could not handle the amount that needed to funnel down to our street intersection. The water coming up from the floor drain and sewage coming back up from the toilet amounted to four feet deep in our basement. Many items stored on shelves were floating in the mess, including the Christmas decoration boxes. Many of the wonderful ornaments that Carrie and Kevin had made in grade school were gone. The next Christmas, we had a tree with lights on it and multiple candy canes. It was hard starting over.
A simple crocheted cross does tell us that Jesus is the reason.
We did start over and as Megan put each one on the tree, I could remember what it was that had spurred me on to purchase each one. There are also ornaments that have special meaning. Carrie and her family gave us an ornament of blown glass that has a grandma and grandpa huddled together. Kevin and Kersten gave us an ornament that has their wedding photo on it. Dennis’ granddaughter Sadie sent an ornament from Iraq when she was stationed there. I did enjoy wrapping those and every other one to be safe until next year.
The tote with the red cover is back up in the attic where it has been stored since the basement incident. The tote does gets a bit heavy, but I know that other than a tornado, it is safe.
Christmas of 2014 is officially over, but I must admit, the Christmas I hold inside of me year round gets me through some very difficult times. Because Jesus is the reason, I understand the wear and tear of my body that He has given me to be a steward of. Because Jesus is the reason, I can openly weep when family members are going through stressful times, knowing that though I cannot physically help them, He will hear my prayers. Because Jesus is the reason, my wants are so small, as I find comfort in Him. Because Jesus is the reason, I know I can feel giddy and hum a tune for no reason at all, as He has kept the child within me to live and laugh, allowing for a good balance in my day to day life. Because Jesus is the reason, I do love my life.
In life, please remember to give and have no memory of it, or take and remember it always.