The Best Christmas Present Ever

On Christmas Eve, Isla picked out the book, “The Best Christmas Present Ever” by Lori, age 14. My mom saved this book for 20 years and gifted it back to me 3 years ago. Of course, I lit up when Isla walk in with it. The main character is a 6-year-old boy who lives with his widowed mom. He realizes on Christmas Eve that he forgot a present for her. Overcome with guilt and worry, he still tries to enjoy the day and Christmas morning but eventually breaks the news to his mom. You can probably guess what happens next. She thoughtfully explains that he already gave her the BEST Christmas present: his LOVE. In this photo, I’m pointing out to Tommy that the main character has the same name as him. He was so excited! Upon conclusion, Jogi kept wanting to give me hugs. It feels surreal to read it to them. I hope this becomes a new Christmas Eve tradition. And it sure would be neat to add their own handmade books to the reading list someday.

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I love them so much it hurts. Sometimes deep and achy from worry, frustration or sadness Sometimes bursting from awe, pride, and joy And totally all encompassing The love.

And then imagine God’s love. It is perfect, unwavering, and timeless. The One who knows us best Loves us more than we can love in this lifetime. Wow.

I truly hope you feel this love. Not only flowing through family and friends, But from within. From God. Where it began and where it will always be. The love.

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Update on “You are gLOVED”

On Monday, I went back to our city parks to check on the care packs starting with the smaller park. The bag that my kids had carefully attached was STILL there. I took it down.

10 days, and no takers?

Hmmm, I thought. It was worth a try. You just never know. I was in a hurry, so instead of running deeper into the park to check the other bag, I proceeded to the next park. (Although I did run by that one last week and a granola bar was gone. I'll check again soon;)

En route to the bigger park, I reflected on the project. Was it really worth the time and effort? Maybe there isn’t as much need as I thought. Was it even legal to leave these here? Maybe I should take the remainders directly to a homeless shelter.

Upon arriving at the bigger park, the wind was really starting to whip around. I bundled up, and ran a quick loop to check the care packs.

GONE. All of them.

Well, that surprised me. And simultaneously warmed and saddened my heart. I am thankful they got used but worried about those who needed them… Praying that they find their way to a shelter especially as the colder temps and snow set it. Part of me wonders if the care packs were just “cleaned up” by park and rec workers. Maybe they were even thrown away. I hope not, but I guess I’ll never know. And isn’t that the case with many acts of love? We don’t know exactly how they’ll be received or even who sometimes, but we do them anyway. We continue smiling at strangers as we pass by. We keep donating food and goods. We still shout “thank you!” to the hardworking FEDEX driver. We keep sending notes of encouragement to teachers. We still paint affirmation rocks and drop them along a path. We keep mailing cards or making calls or singing carols. The list goes on and on. Each of us gifting as God has called us to do. Uniquely. Lovingly. Almost as if we don’t have a choice…

Certain seasons of the year, and of life, sure are cold and harsh. Thank goodness there is warmth and love if we look for it, too.

Not sure what the next step is for You are gLOVED. A week ago, I ordered 10 new sets of gloves, hats, and scarfs. And there are A LOT of parks in the Twin Cities… What do you think?

The Beauty of Bedtime Apologies

Last night as the kids were eating a bedtime snack a conflict unfolded quickly, and I sent Isla to her room and told her she was grounded. It was a out of character for both of us... I resisted the urge to follow up with her immediately, partially because I wanted to get the boys to bed before more tired conflict took place. I was also a little disappointed with my initial response to the situation. After finishing up the bedtime process and singing the boys their songs, I went into Isla’s room to sing her song and hoped to have a little chat first. I sat down, took her hand in mine as I do every night, and waited for her to go first. “Why are you grounding me? Is it really because I ate some of Tommy’s grapes?” (I think she said this more as an ice breaker knowing I’d chuckle… and maybe to make the point that I overreacted a smidge) “No, of course not. That was just the last straw.” I proceeded to explain what really frustrated me. She nodded silently in agreement. Longer pause. Then she said, “I wonder what’s going to happen next in the Mandalorian.” (The topic transition made me smile.) “Me too. It’s an entertaining show!” She continued to reflect on our rather awesome Sunday, “It was so much fun ice skating today. I can’t wait to go again!” “I agree! I need to find my skates so I can join you next time.” “Yes!... Can we go tomorrow?” “Maybe.” … And just like that, an unspoken forgiveness had taken place. We were back to our typical bedtime chats. Often we do exchange an “I’m sorry” or two but tonight it was unnecessary. I can’t put into words how refreshing it is to make mistakes, discuss, acknowledge, forgive, and move on. Always so relieving. Forgiveness fortifies relationships, promotes personal growth, and softens our souls. It’s authenticating and indescribable, really. And there is no right way to “give” it. I recently read this quote/poem by Cleo Wade,

“Forgiveness

Do not Spend your time Trying to wrap your head Around the idea of forgiveness It is not Intellectual

Forgiveness

Is spiritual It is one of the most Spiritual things We could ever do.”

So true. When I think about this season, forgiveness is one of the top concepts that comes to mind. Whether or not you believe in the Christmas story, you likely know of Jesus, His teachings, and His great sacrifice.

FORGIVENESS

It’s hard not to be in awe of Him and His mission. How He loved. How He forgave.

The Everlasting Light

And thankfully, it’s a gift we can all access and distribute. And one we undoubtedly need throughout our lives as part of our human learning process. Your soul/holy spirit/inner guide/true self (call it what you may) has the ability to love and forgive endlessly.

Might be the best gift you give or receive this holiday season.

Love and hugs to you all.