Today was our first day of Christmas break. Since this has been such an odd year with my surgery and the 3 weeks I couldn't walk, we didn't do our normal Christmas shopping in November and discovered we had to finish up some shopping today. We were struggling a little because this year feels a bit busier than previous years. When it feels busy and hectic, it doesn't feel like Christmas.
I became curious about past Christmases. This is my husband's and my 21st Christmas. I wondered what some of my thoughts were years ago?
My girls were four years old and one year old during Christmas in 2005. We had been married for nine years. I don't remember which job my husband had. I was a waitress at a local restaurant. Here is an entry from that Christmas:
The Lord has determined that we should not have a large surplus of money for any extended period of time. But He has also determined to provide for us in such a way that all our bills are paid and our needs are met. We had to take both girls to the doctor this month. We no longer have WIC and we need to begin paying the full amount on our student loans. Our gas bill is over double what it was last month, but after this weekend we will be able to pay it. Last night I received at least two $10 tips on $40 checks and some other high percentage tips. The Lord completely blessed my night. We were able to spend almost $600 on Christmas gifts just for our family. We were able to buy gifts for my husband's parents and brother and sister-in-law. (We weren't able to do this in previous years.)
God is taking such good care of us despite our circumstances that seem to be against us. In the mist of my thankfulness I pray for a new job for my husband, a job with enough pay to take care of all our bills and perhaps, if it be the Lord's desire, enough for us to buy a house again. I also pray the job provides good benefits for all of us allowing us the freedom to take our kids to the doctor when they are sick. I also pray that this job gives my husband payed vacation and that it be on he can enjoy and find ministry opportunities in.
I don't know what God has in mind for us, but even if it is not anywhere near my prayer, it will be the best thing.
We had a nice Christmas. It was most definitely a blessed Christmas. The Lord provided.
I remember this time. I remember each day worrying about how to pay our bills and at the same time thankful that they were paid each month and we were daily provided for. I learned to daily give my needs to God or I would feel despair and hopelessness.
Today all those prayers have been answered. We both have fulfilling jobs we are successful at, good benefits meeting all our medical needs, we can always pay our bills and we have paid vacation. We get to impact the lives of young people positively each day.
Looking back at this old Christmas post, I couldn't be more thankful for where we are today. I also hope that each person can be encouraged that God loves us and even when it seems things are bleak, there are so many things to always be thankful for.
Christmas isn't about the gifts we give or receive. Christmas is about the gifts we enjoy daily which are present in our lives. We open the door to our home and walk into a precious gift of a place we belong. We share our valuable time and energy with our loved ones daily and never run out of the ability to give a bit more. Some days are so difficult. They won't be difficult forever. In the midst of the difficulties there is always a precious gift to be thankful for.
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