A few years ago I was going over my Christmas list and freaking out over the gifts I bought for my family. I debated over and over if I had spent too much or too little. I thought about whether or not I put any thought into the gifts, or if I was just checking them off. I believe that year I nearly worried myself completely out of the Christmas spirit and into an Ebeneezer mood.
This year I was determined not to let the gifts rule me or get me in a foul mood. With most of the shopping done by December 21st I was ready to hit cruise control. I had taken care of everything it seamed. I had presents for employees, friends, family, nieces and nephews, siblings, in-laws, children and especially my wife.
Suddenly, and without warning Trish and Ava both got sick. Trish had a killer sinus cold and Ava an ear infection. Suddenly, presents and gifts weren't important. Suddenly, I was more than willing to give up all the order, budget, and gifts for the surety that they would be okay. Suddenly, I was less focused on i-Tunes and gift cards, and more focused on spending time with my family, praying they would be okay, and trying to give my love to them so they could get better. Then, to make matters worse, I got sick with either a stomach bug or a case of food poisoning. Even as I write this post, we are all still in the recovery stage.
Now, you might say it would suck to have so many people sick on Christmas. Yes, in a way you are right. It was not fun to be sick and in pain on Christmas day. It was no fun to watch Ava scream and kick in pain at night and tug on her ear. It was definitely no fun to watch Trish suffer through sinus pain. In that regard it was not fun, but it was in many ways still a Merry Christmas. How?
Well, with so many of us not feeling well I was drawn closer to God in prayer. I prayed at night and during the day for their health and mine. As I thought about their pain and aches it also drew us closer together. I spent more time holding Ava and trying to be a helpful spouse than at any time before in recent memory. This was a blessing in so many ways. The time together was a blessing and the realization that I can do so much more to love on my family was a greater blessing.
It was also a Merry Christmas because this time of sickness drew us out of the bustle of the crowded malls and angry and bitter overs spenders and into a different crowd. This year I graciously found myself in the crowd that realized that Christmas is all about God's relationship with us through Christ, the best and first ever Christmas gift. Christmas is also about our relationships with one another. Yes, I received some very exciting gifts this Christmas. Some were items on my wish list and some were not but, the most precious gift I received was just being with my family and having them continue to get well.
We are all still plodding along trying to get well but I will call this a Merry Christmas. What more can you ask for than to have received God's gift to the world, wonderful time with family and friends, and a few new shirts and toys to wrap it all up.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God make all of your days brighter by his countenance and love.
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