Happy Thursday, friends! I feel like shouting from the rooftop that Christmas is over, I survived (thrived at times, cried at others), and that I have yet another huge "first" behind me. I know at least one of you feels this same way, but for the rest of you, I pray your day was everything you hoped it would be. Mine was so much sweeter than I anticipated! I am so glad that I had my sons with me on Christmas Eve, that they spent the night, and that they loved being surprised with gifts they knew nothing about. Moving forward from here on out each year, that's how it will be. I loved surprising them!
I have some things I am thankful for this week, needless to say.
I am so thankful that Christmas is behind me. It's not that I didn't love it, but the anticipation of the day nearly killed me, because I didn't know how the day would go and how I would feel. The day was better than Christmas Eve, honestly. We had thought about doing something involving Christmas lights to honor my dad, but we ended up having a get together at my house. It felt so different and sad. My family stayed for two hours, and then after they left, my sons left. I just sat down and cried for a bit, because my heart felt like it was breaking in half again.
It's very strange being in an empty house on Christmas Eve, knowing you're the one in charge. I didn't have anything else to do, preparation wise, but I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt like something huge was missing, and that was true. Two huge somethings were missing, and I was overwhelmed for a while. Throw in the fact that I can't really do anything right now, and well, I had myself a good old fashioned pity party. Drew and Noah actually walked in on me while this was going on, and they stayed with me for the rest of the night. We ended up watching movies and going upstairs so they could watch TV/play video games.
As hard as that night was, I am thankful that Christmas day dawned brighter and clearer. Several friends texted me as I woke up that morning telling me they were praying for me and our day; I can tell, because it immediately felt different and more full of hope. I got up as usual and had coffee, finished a book, started some laundry, and got breakfast ready to make when the guys woke up. They all came downstairs by about 8:15; they all got coffee and we started opening gifts.
I'll share more about Christmas tomorrow, but I'm thankful for how the day turned out.
I'm thankful that Noah was able to be home for so long! He will be here until Saturday around noon, and then he'll be driving back to Dallas.
I'm thankful that they're coming over again tonight and that I get to make dinner for them.
I'm thankful for my family who filled in all the gaps for me this week with me being in severe back pain with my pinched nerve and joint problem. They have literally been my lifesavers lately, and I couldn't be more grateful for anyone if I tried.
I'm thankful for my praying friends!
I'm thankful for videos and pictures of family near and far to bridge the gaps of distance.
I'm thankful for simple pleasures like candles that smell divine, mindless things to watch on TV, books to read, cozy blankets to snuggle up with, and pets that bring me joy.
Most of all, I am thankful for the love of God that I celebrate everyday, all year long. I love what this season means and what it stands for, but honestly, it's so much more than just a season. It's a lifestyle, and I choose to celebrate His birth, death, burial, and resurrection everyday of my life. I am thankful for His free gift of salvation that He offers to all, and for the grace and mercy that He extends to me each and everyday. I'm thankful that He guides my steps just like His word says, and that His Spirit lives within me. If not for Him, I would be nothing. He is good all the time, because that is His character! No matter what life looks like, no matter how hard or easy times are, on my very best day I need God just as much as I do on my very worst day. I'm going to leave you with a song saying this; it's God is Good by Johnathan McReynolds.
What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear from you! Thank you for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn 🖤
I get it! You did it - you survived. You also let yourself have your feelings. But, now that it's Dec. 26 I think you can breathe and relax a bit more. I hope you are getting better!
ReplyDeleteI did it! I survived. I knew I'd be glad this day arrived, and I am! I hope to enjoy some time with family and friends more now. I'm ready to start getting out again since I've been taking it easy for the last six days. It's been a long week!
DeleteGood morning Jennifer. I hope you are feeling better in your back. Christmas sounds nice, even though hard at times. Ours was a little rough at times too. It's just not the same any more since our girls live so far away. We haven't had a Christmas together in probably at least 10 years. So Christmas just isn't what it used to be. We try not to dwell on it too much, but it just is what it is. It's been over a year since we've seen our youngest daughter and grandson. The oldest came home for a visit this year and that was great. They have both gone through some tough things this year, but they are definitely survivors. Through it all, God is good. I know you think so too. How do people do these things without him? Take care and enjoy your today, as I plan to do also.
ReplyDeletePraise of thanksgiving that you are a testament to surviving and thriving. We hosted Christmas Eve and enjoyed having our kids, spouses and grandkids here. When the time comes, you are going to love being a grandmother!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it! Felt those feeling and moved forward....yes! So glad you have a few more days with all your boys. I hope they have enjoyed the brother time too. I love seeing my girls spend time together.
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