This past December, I ventured out with my family to celebrate my mom's birthday. A very special birthday. Why? Because my mom's birthday IS a week before Christmas, she has never really celebrated it. Sure, some of us kids send her gifts or cards and when my dad was alive he would take her out to dinner but not a real celebration. Every year my mom was up to her eyeballs with Christmas details. Between wrapping gifts, last minute decorations and the zillions of cookies she was making, her birthday was quickly swallowed up. But this year was different.
This year, we did not have a tree or decorate due to moving. As a result I knew she would have time to do something special. My mom had wanted to go to "Mike's Tree Farm" and ride the hayride and visit the gift shop (2 hours away) but I deterred her from going as a ploy to distract. What joy I had to surprise her with my younger brother and family meeting us a restaurant 2 hours away, bringing gifts and a special cake created by my niece Keely. We then traveled another hour and went to Mike's Tree Farm where we waiting in line about 2 hours (in the freezing cold) to ride a 20 minute hayride. We all had a blast being with each other.
On the way home, I will never forget what my mom said, Flossie (my nick-name), this is the best birthday I have ever had. Wow, this was the best birthday? It was fun but seemed low-keyed as in comparison to what I like for my birthday's. Then it dawned on me. In comparison to no birthday celebrations or rushed ones, this one was fabulous for her.
This reminded me of the Lord as well. Born in a manger, simple, no big thrills, surrounded by the ones that were supposed to be there, surrounded by those that loved Him. Some of our Christmas celebrations have quickly turned into huge bashes with lots of lights, gifts, food and noise. But my mom's birthday reminded me that simple is sometimes better. Don't let the Christmas rush distract you from what really matters this year.
Merry Christmas to each of you. I am so thankful and blessed to have you on my prayer team. Kris
Luke 2: 13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This year, we did not have a tree or decorate due to moving. As a result I knew she would have time to do something special. My mom had wanted to go to "Mike's Tree Farm" and ride the hayride and visit the gift shop (2 hours away) but I deterred her from going as a ploy to distract. What joy I had to surprise her with my younger brother and family meeting us a restaurant 2 hours away, bringing gifts and a special cake created by my niece Keely. We then traveled another hour and went to Mike's Tree Farm where we waiting in line about 2 hours (in the freezing cold) to ride a 20 minute hayride. We all had a blast being with each other.
On the way home, I will never forget what my mom said, Flossie (my nick-name), this is the best birthday I have ever had. Wow, this was the best birthday? It was fun but seemed low-keyed as in comparison to what I like for my birthday's. Then it dawned on me. In comparison to no birthday celebrations or rushed ones, this one was fabulous for her.
This reminded me of the Lord as well. Born in a manger, simple, no big thrills, surrounded by the ones that were supposed to be there, surrounded by those that loved Him. Some of our Christmas celebrations have quickly turned into huge bashes with lots of lights, gifts, food and noise. But my mom's birthday reminded me that simple is sometimes better. Don't let the Christmas rush distract you from what really matters this year.
Merry Christmas to each of you. I am so thankful and blessed to have you on my prayer team. Kris
Luke 2: 13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
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