It has been two weeks since my return from Prague and the ambitious plans of keeping up the walking has not happened – yet. The return week is a blur but I remember sleeping, doing laundry, rejoicing in the simple and familiar. The second week Christmas (minimally) unfolded and today I took a walk. Two miles, and mostly flat and familiar, kept me humming Christmas tunes. I am so happy I went to volunteer abroad and am equally happy to finish and return. Yesterday I had attempted a recent tradition with my girls of shopping at University Village. They are both in different states but I hoped it would warm my heart and I might find a treasure to gift them. Instead, I was reminded that frivolous spending is not necessary for them to know I love them and it poured rain ALL morning. Even crossing the water to Seattle had become more expensive. The coffee was good but I may skip this in future unless they are about. My love for my girls got me out the door. Today, the sun got me out the door. We have had typical Seattle weather since my return and good thing I don’t worry about my hair as much as I used to. Besides, I look good in a red stocking cap! The Son makes Christmas. In this short time I’ve attended church, a play, a Bible study, a Christmas concert, several exercise classes (including fun with gift exchanges), and will enjoy Christmas dinner with dear friends.
With so many approaches to this sacred holiday, I’m looking at what motivated me to put some things out to remind me of the season. I’m trying to write through Luke’s account of Jesus from start to finish of the Son of God’s time incarnate. I say Merry Christmas at every opportunity. Will make fudge tonight and have delivered the small loaves of orange/cranberry bread. It is my older sister’s recipe and it has been years since I’ve made it. The recipe card was lost in another section of the box so, an hour later, about 1/3 of the cards went into the recycle and the lost recipe was found. Recipes are like clothes. I have too many denim shirts (or blue and white striped) and saved the same recipe for a coconut cream pie over and over. Ask me if I have ever made a coconut cream pie? Not once.
I hope to have more Christmases. I am feeling the loss of Emma and Susie and Jane deeply. My baby sister turns seventy in five days. I will be on a plane in four. It is not a perfectly executed Christmas but neither was last year when I had time to be ready. Whether or not cards get written that announce Jesus came, He came. Whether or not I found the perfect gift, He is the perfect gift. Whether or not every moment references Him, He holds my life in the palm of his land. He makes everything good. This is the best Christmas EVER! Reminders of Emma, Susie, Jane, and recent Christmas snow.