This was too pretty a sight to resist--the moon over the snowy treetops!
The job up at the cabin in Winter Park turned into a bit of a fiasco when Jonathan could not
get the permit when he needed it. But, so as not to bore you with details, the good thing is that
we get to make four trips up there instead of one--
which means I get to enjoy TREES four times instead of just once!
I couln't help thanking the Lord today as I started walking down the road as Jonathan and Sam and two other work guys finished up a couple details. It's been sooo fun for us to spend some time in the mountains at this cabin!
This is what it looked like one morning we were there.
About five inches of snow!
It was just beautiful!
That second time we only spent a couple days up there. I enjoyed so much having time to make tasty meals just for Jonathan and me and whoever was working there that day.
Jonathan shoveled snow.
Somehow, it all reminded me very much of Christmas coming, and I feel so excited about it this year!
It's not about how we are going to indulge ourselves, but about family times,
times for friends and people we want to reach with the love of Christ,
and the sights and sounds and smells of Christmas!
The crisp cold--
and cozy warmth!
It's hard to envision Christmas out here on the barren, brown, windblown prairie where there is seldom much snow--and few evergreens.
So much easier in a mountain town where the mountains are already tipped with white!
And there is a cabin with a fireplace!
I can't help but think, though, that no matter how much snow there is, or cute mountain chalets,
or evergreens or fireplaces or ever so many decorations and Christmas gifts and candy,
nothing is ever quite right, or right at all, if there is not love.
Hugs, kind words, caring when something is wrong, affirmations, smiles, joy for the journey,
unselfishness, sharing, eye contact, "Good morning!"
Decorations and parties and scenery really don't comprise the spirit of Christmas, though they are part.
"Love came down at Christmas," and we want more love in our home and in our relationships.
Not more gifts. Not more parties. Not more trees.
Not more mad shopping at Pre-Black Friday sales.
Not more mere people-pleasing just so they will feel good about themselves
when what is needed most is openness and honesty with one another out of kindness and desire to edify and build up one another in the ways of God.
Not just covering everything up so everything will look good.
But opening our hearts, being honest and loving and caring, enjoying one another and helping one another unselfishly.
And being thankful.
A humble Thanksgiving season should always precede Christmas.
Because so often, if we aren't purposeful, Christmas is mostly about getting
while Thanksgiving is about giving--
giving thanks to the Giver of all good things.
So let's not forget about Thanksgiving in our pell-mell rush toward our Christmas trees and going wild with decorating for Christmas and gorging ourselves on Christmas treats and grudging the hours spent in line for Black Friday sales.
Let there be joy, but let there be simplicity.
Let there be rejoicing, but let it be with humility.
Let there be beauty, but with gratitude.
Let there be gifts, but ones from the heart, with generosity rather than obligation.
And oh, may we not miss the Christ because we are so busy celebrating!
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