The joy has gone out of Christmas for me. I tend to get caught up with all I have to do, wanting to make the season perfect for my family and I lose the true meaning of it. It’s nothing but stress. I’m determined this year to change that and make this a truly joyful season for everyone – myself included. So each day (I’m going to try, anyway!) I’m going to find something that will bring me joy and remind me of the true meaning of the season. Everything that has been lost in the hustle and bustle.
Yesterday I spent some time looking at old pictures. Some were of my grandmother. I had forgotten, or maybe never realized, what a beautiful woman she was. I remembered the smells from her kitchen – cinnamon raisin bread, banket (a Dutch pastry filled with almond paste). I heard her voice and her thick Dutch accent. It is memories like this that I want to create for my family. I also remember her strong, unshakable faith. And that, is the most important memory I want to leave. I pray the Lord will help me to do just that.
I finally have been able to catch up on my blog reading!! I’m sorry – I intended to e-mail you and visit with you about your church – OPCer’s are hard to find in my state!! Thank you for sharing about your grandma – mine has been gone for a number of years and I still miss her very much and look forward to her hug when we meet again in heaven!!