December 26th releases all kinds of feelings.

The best present is presence

The best Christmas present is someone’s presence and being present. I think that is what I love most about the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas- the many opportunities to spend time with loved ones.

The meals together, shopping, crafting, and celebrating in pairs, small groups, and in the community.

It’s the getting together that is the real gift. This sentiment becomes more true and obvious as I get older. Our parents are aging and our children are grown.

Yesterday we unwrapped gifts three separate times, but the real gift was not in the packages. The real gifts were the stories behind the items, the thoughts that were made, the love that was put into each box.

Because of the virus, we did not see as many people as we normally do and many of our traditional festivities were canceled, and the loss of that is felt today.

The Day After Christmas

I love the song “Day After Christmas” by Matthew West.

It’s the day after Christmas, and the only remnants of the day are scraps of wrapping paper stuck to the carpet, left overs in the fridge, and gifts to put away. The house is quiet and there are no plans on the calendar to see each other again. As I try to embrace the quiet and the still, my heart yearns for more yesterday.

Each passing year I find myself cautious about what is to come. When my heart feels hollow or broken, and my mind seems jumbled or obsessed, I turn to my Bible to see what God wants me to know.

Reflection

In my quiet time and studies on this passage, I came to realize that I romanticize the past. Fortunately my mind focuses on the positives. I have scrapbooks to prove it, and what I fail to see is what God has planned for the future. I am in a transition season of life, so I just have to put all my faith in God, and know that these days are just preparation for whatever presents He will be giving in the years to come.

This is not to say I have no sadness and won’t shed a few tears today, but I am going to work extra hard on trust, faith, gratitude, hope, and grace as we move into the next year.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I hope You are pleased with your birthday celebrations. I felt your presence with each gathering we had, and with each gift given. Thank you for my many blessings, especially my family and friends. As I grieve each stage of life lost, help me to open my heart and mind for what is to come. It was strange to be home on Christmas night with no kids here, and to wake up today to a quiet house. Help me to celebrate their independence as I transition in this season of life. In Jesus name, Amen.