I have never been one to pick a word for the year. I have always thought it was a neat idea, but I haven't been compelled to do it - until now. Partially I think that is because of how we celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day around our house. I think my picking a word for the year is also partially about how we celebrated this year, or rather what we didn't do. This year, Christmas was different. Miracle was in pain - so much pain that we ended the day at the emergency room. Angelica and I cleaned the house while Miracle languished on the couch in pain. We didn't concentrate on having family time. How could we? We didn't bake a cake or have a special meal. And... we didn't sit down and give gifts to Jesus. It bothered me all day, but as I was going to sleep, I resolved to set the next Sunday aside as a day for Jesus. And yet, we didn't celebrate Christmas then either. OUCH!! So, as today is nearing a close, I realize what I need to give to Jesus as a gift this coming year. And in so doing, I realize that word needs to define my life in so many areas. The gift I am giving to Jesus this year is to make Him a priority, something I regretfully haven't done for several years now. OUCH again!!
The girls and I, especially Miracle, wanted this Christmas season - and really every event celebrated between September and August of next year - to be perfect. Miracle will be entering college in the fall but she's not just going to another state - she will be on the other side of planet earth! AND she won't be able to come home for 11 months!! This Christmas and New Year were less than perfect and yet I think we have all realized just how perfectly imperfect our lives and celebrations were. In the midst of the pain and sickness, we all love each other and strive to love Jesus. In the end, that's what it's all about.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friends. May your year be filled with the love of Christ and family. May you always seek Jesus throughout the year. May you find that one thing that He wants you to spend focusing on this year and pursue it wholeheartedly.
#1-Love of family
#1-Love of family
