Isaiah 9:6 "....and his name shall be called Wonderful...."
Today I have had the word "wonderful" on my mind. We just returned from what I would call a "wonderful" weekend with our family. Wonderful defined as "better than good". After many prayers, all 20 of us arrived in Tennessee for our annual Christmas celebration. Three days of soaking up togetherness in a log cabin with lots of hugs, laughs, games and good food.
At this time of the year, we hear so much about the classic story, "It's a Wonderful Life". I think we all love it because we identify with the times we have felt discouraged with life and in our desperation, felt alone and near hopeless. It took a miracle for the the story's hero to get turned around and refocused on what was really important.
A reconnection with family, friends and faith.
I have had some of those times. But, what I have come to realize is that when I turn my thoughts inward and quit trying to connect with the important things in life, I begin to feel unhappy and depressed.
Christmas has to be more about thankfulness, giving and connecting or it will be anything but "the most wonderful time of the year."
Yes, it appears that some have it better than others. Life seems handed to them in a silver platter. But, we have to realize and enjoy what is available to us individually to feel rewarded and blessed.
Just because life didn't work out like we planned it to doesn't mean we withdraw into ourselves, disconnect from those we should hold close, and lose faith in the baby who grew into the most "wonderful "gift to mankind.
I see a world who is doing just that. And their motto they wear is " It's a Miserable Life". I hear some of the rich and the healthy with lots of family around them saying this. And then I hear folks who have health issues, brokenness and pain saying, " It's a Wonderful life"
I am blessed. Life is a mixture of both pain and pleasure. But I have that Wonderful presence always near, keeping me from despair when I am perplexed and sad but not forsaken.
We had some frustrating times over our wonderful weekend. You don't put 20 people together and everyone be happy 24/7.
One of our young men could have been very unhappy because he just left his girl behind. But I saw him smile and give some humor to the weekend.
We had a set of parents keeping up with two toddlers and a 6 week old baby. Frustrated? Yes, but determined to make memories.
Had some with car trouble.... a little sickness..... and thanks to every one of them for holding their tongue when I beg for lots of color coordinated combinations of family pictures!
Truly wonderful was the simple things: like holding baby Caroline. She was badly spoiled after she got home because she was in someone's arms literally most all weekend, male and female alike!! She was toooo loveable!
The innocence of small children is so comforting.....they enjoy the simple things....
The wonder of the still strong connection of cousins and the fun they have together....
For those who are struggling with hurting in whatever way, I am so sorry. Sometimes circumstances drain the Wonder from you. I've been there. My sweet mother in law was on her deathbed one Christmas. Our wonder was that she wanted to spend one last Christmas with her family. She died 3 days later. I've had a few Christmases when I was away from a traditional Christmas with my family in Missouri when I was in the snowy confines of the mountains. But I was blessed amidst the tears to have a husband and family of my own to make new traditions with. I've had Holidays with my family holding me up emotionally and physically. I've had some better than good ones and some not so good ones. All in all it's a Wonderful Life!
This year was a wonderful one. God has walked me through the tough times and allowed me the good times. I am ever grateful for the Wonder of that.
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