this Christmas season

I cannot believe it's Christmas. CANNOT. Time has gone by so quickly this Summer and Fall. It's Winter and this rainy, warm weather is wild - even in the Southeast. But I cannot wait for family Christmas traditions! Candlelight service. Open house get-together's with family friends. Baking a Peppermint Red Velvet Cake. Last minute errands. Last minute wrapping. All on Christmas Eve. Opening presents - just me, mom, dad and Flip - on Christmas morning. My Christmas presents from Santa, my mom and my dad will be a BIG surprise! I have NO idea what I'm getting. But I'm mostly excited about what I'm giving!! And I {think} I've thrown them a few surprises! 


I can't help but think about what a wild, strange trip I've been on since this time last Christmas. I've read several blogs lately highlighting Mary, from the Bible, questioning how she must have felt during this time of uncertainty and waiting. This year I've felt SO MUCH of what I imagine she felt. So young. So unsure. Trusting God. Waiting. And many questions. The whys, the hows and the whats this mean for me and everyone? Yes, I have moments of hurt. The days that bleaux! The day's I'm down on myself, life and tired of waiting. But mostly, I have moments of extreme gratefulness for this time in my life! I look around and see the good, the gracious. I notice the moments when life "ain't so bad" and I'm amazed by how Jesus has loved me, provided for me, protected me and guided me. Even when I've really BLOWN IT as a person! Even when I've lied. Even when I haven't done my fair share or my best. Even when I doubt. Even when I've hurt people I love with all my heart! Even when I've been selfish, hurtful and stubborn. EVEN WHEN NOTHING HAS GONE THE WAY I HOPED FOR AND PLANNED. Even then, I am reminded of what this season means. I am reminded of what He has done and He continues to do. I am reminded to wait. I am reminded of miracles and gifts. I am reminded that He is good. 

Referring to Christmas: "It's about Jesus breaking into the average, mundane, run-of-the-mill life. (You know, like, mine and yours!) And saying don't stop hoping because God comes through." - Louie Giglio

I want silver, something that shines. But He... He wants GOLD for me! 

I'll hope for that in this new, upcoming year. Gold. I'll wait. I'll hope and trust. Which reminds me, the CEO of the company I am currently working with said a version of these words a few days ago: There are three things people need to be happy - something to do, someone to love and something to hope for. 

Hope. Grace. Joy. Peace. Love. Patience. Kindness. He comes through, even in the most unlikely of times. Even in the waiting, He waits WITH us! Love this season!