12/26/16
Dear Reader, Christmas time for our family is a celebration of Jesus's birth and giving glory to the Lord for such a selfless act of love. With this celebration comes some traditions through many generations and spending time with love ones. One tradition for us is putting up our decorations while listening to all the classic Christmas songs. Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, and Pentatonix are a few our favorites. One part of the decoration process that I absolutely cannot wait to do is hanging the stocking on the mantle. We would always(even as a child) would reflect on what the Lord has done and how blessed we are. We exchange gifts, eat a great feast, spend time with family members, and reflect the goodness of God's favor throughout the year.
My parents and I's favorite part was finding what was in the stockings... I'm not sure if it was due to everyone's unusual gifts, or the small packages that waited to be unwrapped. Perhaps it was the thought of 'digging' to find such sweet items tucked inside. One thing I do know is this; each of us had our own stocking holders that seemed to fit our personalities and likes. With that being said, imagine Snoopy on top of his house with garland draped across with lights flashing as the red berries. Or that there is a Eskimo sitting on top of a frozen pond of ice fishing for fish with a pup(seal) next to him. Thirdly, a small mouse with an oversized Santa hat waiting with a twinkle in its eyes. These were my family's stocking holders and was one of the many items I couldn't wait to put out first when decorating.
In 2011, my family and I lost everything except the clothes off our backs in a house fire. We were blessed that all of us and even our fur babies were okay; however, I have never felt so vulnerable or exposed then I did then. Healing started immediately that same day! People would drive by giving items, money, prayers, food, comfort, and their love. For weeks I saw a community and two businesses raise money for my family. Friends who would go out of their way to spend time with us or bring food over. Family who took us in when we need a home. Literally people from all over gave from their hearts and it touched mine in that most vulnerable way. Instead of fearing, we trusted that the Lord would work this out for the greater good! All Glory to Jesus!
Years later I have even found pictures covered in ashes and edges burned, but the picture of a memory remained. Yes, so much was lost in material items like: family photos, heirlooms, books, furniture, clothes, shelter. You name it, it was gone. Other things were broken in spirit which made other things arise like: no peace of mind, feeling exposed, some fear, hurt, lost, alone, and most of all, vulnerability. However, those things the Lord has restored! He restored many things through prayer, reading his word daily, changing my mindset through the word, bringing strangers who brought blessings, bringing family and friends who brought love, friendship and understanding. He brought UNITY!!
The Lord has even blessed me with items that seemed to be lost forever.... Like stocking holders at Christmas time.
Isn't Jesus so wonderful? Even years later after a tragedy, He is STILL moving in that area! STILL healing smaller hurts from that time. STILL providing the desires of our hearts! He is so good!! Be encouraged today to know that the Lord is STILL moving in your situation! He is STILL interceding for you! He is BRINGING people in your path, and blessings on its way! Even if it's as small as a stocking holder, HE RETURNS ten times what was taken away. He loves you.
Merry Christmas,
Kaleen
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