Tis the Season

I have had some really high days and some extremely low days these last few weeks.

The trip to Florida was definitely a high for me.  We had a relaxing and peaceful trip.  It was not crowded and the weather was beautiful.  I could listen to the ocean for hours on end.  More than anything I took the time to enjoy God's lovely handiwork and thank Him for the opportunity to absorb His presence.

Thanksgiving was also a high for me.  I was surrounded by my immediate family and my nieces and nephew.  Since my sister passed away in 2000 I get limited time to see her kids.  But we always make sure we get together at Thanksgiving.  I am thankful to still be a part of their lives.  My brother-in-law also came for dessert.  As you all know family is the most important thing to me.

With that being said I realize I am now "back in the circuit" as Grandma.  We brought the girls home with us from Thanksgiving and they spent two nights with us.  I loved every minute.  Then this last weekend we kept the boys overnight so Karlene and Adam could have a date night.  It was Emerson's first overnight visit with Mimi and Papa.  Once again I loved every minute.

On the low side my aunt passed away while we were in Florida.  She was my mom's twin sister and the last living aunt on my mom's side.  We were able to attend the memorial service on our way back to KC.  I have very fond memories of Aunt Dorothy and was glad to be able to listen to my cousin, Bro, speak about her at the service.   Another chapter in my life book closed.

I also learned that a teacher in the district where I worked lost her short battle with lung cancer this last  week.  She received treatments at the same cancer center I go to so it has been hard to understand why God felt her journey here on earth was done.  I know I am not to question and I know God has a plan but my heart has been heavy.   Just FYI...cancer sucks!

Now I move to "tis the season".  I have had some mixed emotions about the upcoming holiday.  I am trying very hard to remember the reason for the season and not get so commercially involved with it this year.  It has been a long year and I want to celebrate Jesus's birth because without Him my journey would not make sense.

Please take time to enjoy this season.  Seriously you never know what lies ahead so take time to find peace in this holiday season.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3