Believe

Ten-year-old Isabelle struggled with non-belief this Christmas.  The child in her wanted to believe in Santa Claus so badly, but all of her friends were telling her that he didn't exist.  She feigned belief for the benefit of her parents - and because I think she really wanted to believe.

On Christmas Eve, Santa's bells were heard outside her window and HOPE was reborn. The twinkle in her eyes and the smile on her face hurried her to bed with renewed faith in Santa Claus. He IS real.

As I reflect on the magic of this moment, I am reminded that my own belief wanes as I get caught up in the enticings of the world.  I am grateful for that star in heaven that serves as a reminder of the One who came to save us all.

And my HOPE is reborn. 

He too, is real.

'Tis the season . . .

for

     Christmas lights

     shopping lists

     Christmas carols

     parties

     concerts and plays

     yummy treats made only at this time of year

     exhaustion

     depression and anger that follow exhaustion


Thank heaven for friends and family who bring rays of sunshine like this and this.  Their posts today (and often) lifted my spirit on a day that has been filled with clouds.

What was the vision of how your life would be?

When I was a child, I envisioned that I would live in a Beverly Hills type mansion complete with fancy cars and clothes.  I would attend the most fabulous parties and be a SUPER successful executive.  My vision did not really include family - only material things.

Fortunately, the vision I had is not the life I live.  We are a middle class family of four, living in a modest home, driving nearly-dead cars.  The house is cluttered with small shoes, toys and crumbs.  There are tears mingled with the laughter.  There are lots of hugs and kisses.

My life is so much better than I ever dreamed!