We've been doing this thing lately that I just love. Each evening my girls - Liz & Paige - 14 & 12 - come in and hang out on our bed for a while watching tv before bed. Maybe it's a Charlie Brown Special or House..whatever seems appropriate for the night. We didn't really plan this hanging out time, it has just sort of happened and I LOVE it. I remember when the girls were little and bedtimes were SO important because I was just so drained by that time of night. Nowadays, I'm still tired at night, but they are who I want to be with. I wonder when it shifted from needing a break 'from them' to wanting a break 'with them.'
Last night was Heartland's Christmas Concert. This concert is one of the highlights of my year. Paige sang beautifully - yes I could pick her out of the zillions of voices - I'm a mom:)
Several things made the evening particularly special.
1. I was able to hear the story of a new friend of mine who has had a rough couple of years. Her husband had a brain tumor and WOW.... One of the things she told me about was the Christmas when they had nothing - that is until 'Santa' showed up at the door with gifts for everyone. She said they cried through each and every present. If you ever wonder if your generosity is making a difference, let me just say, it is.
2. Next I was pleasantly surprised that Steve made it to the concert. I didn't realize how much I missed him until I saw his face. It was great to have that time together.
3. Paige and I went for our annual - after program ice cream - although this time we went for hot chocolate at the Dutch Village Inn. We saw the BOB guys there - I love watching the BOB guys gather. It's a group of men who want to be together, figuring out what it means to follow Christ...so cool. We also saw a new friend there, Carol, and another precious friend, Chel....which leads to number 4:
4. At the program, I saved seats for Dave & Brenda. One of the things that I have prayed for for a few years now is to be a part of a geographically feasible community. I've benefitted from a lot of small groups in my lifetime, but I've often thought that God was wanting me to be a part of something where the group was made up of people who live near each other and see each other on a regular basis - during the ins and outs of daily life. Last night was an example of those connections. We are praying about where we feel God is leading us and what good things he wants us to be involved in in the coming year.
God looks down from heaven on humankind
to see if there are any who are wise,
who seek after God. Psalm 53.2
Advent Action: Continue seeking. Ask God to show you where he is breaking in on your life right now. Remember that when God breaks in, there is usually action that needs to follow on your part. Remember Moses. Remember Mary.
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2 comments:
I miss those times of getting a break with the kids...Luke hopped in my bed the other night, and we talked a while... Times like those are awesome. When the kids were little we used to have a King size water bed, and on Saturday mornings, all 5 of us would cozy up, and tell jokes, and stories! Fond memories!
Being part of community is also valuable when you are at the stage I am, and feel sometimes, "alone" when your kids are in different cities, or just with their own community...it expands your family!
I just about cried reading this - hormones or a touching story? Probably both! I JUST finished putting the boys in bed, and for about 30 minutes before actual bedtime, the three of us laid in bed and read book after book. It's so rare that I do this with them anymore before bed, because, like you said, I am ready for a break by bed time. But, it was so nice, and such great bonding time with them. I'm glad to see you and others are having these experiences as well (yours are probably a bit more relaxing than mine, though.) I'm also glad you've had a great couple of days...that's always nice!
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