MERRY CHRISTMAS 2017

When I sat down here to type, the computer clock said 11:45pm. Almost midnight; almost Christmas Day. The house is clean, the cooking and baking are done as far as can be done, and the gifts are wrapped and sorted. A roast is in the crock pot and a ham waits to go in the oven at about 5:30am on slow bake. My family will trickle in about noon tomorrow – no hurry.

I love the peace and quiet and aloneness of Christmas Eve. The lights are on both inside and out, and won’t be turned off until I go to bed Christmas night. I love the glow and reflections they make, especially with all of the other lights turned off. It sort of lights a glow inside of me that warms me all the way through.

The church was very full this evening; one family – all together from other parts of the state and other states – filled an entire row from one end to the other. It was impressive to see. I enjoy the music specials the best, and especially liked Patty’s singing ‘Heirloom’ (Amy Grant sings that one). Of course the candles lit during ‘Silent Night’ at the end are moving and inspirational. Kath hosted supper after church this evening, and although neither of us had our whole families there, we had a very nice evening. Lots of good food and special family fun together. A true blessing!

I’ve always wondered why it’s so magical at midnight on Christmas Eve. Just something holy and quiet and real. Sort of like my heart opens up and lets the Christ child enter, fulfilling a need that I didn’t realize I had. That seems to be enough to get me through until the next year.

This past year has seen some changes for me, one of which is that I have cut back about 10 hours a week at work. Those extra hours have been a double blessing while preparing for the holidays. I didn’t realize how I was exhausting myself by trying to do so much. I’m still getting used to the schedule, but Jim and the managers and my co-workers at Smail Auto have been nothing but supportive. I am truly blessed to have these people in my life, considering it’s been over 50 years that I have worked for them. (and 20 at Pinnacle!)

I’m hoping to use a few of those extra hours to spend more time volunteering at Historic Hanna’s Town, doing a lot more writing and maybe speaking (which I really enjoy).  Gen and I worked for a day and a half in my gardens last October, and I hope by the end of spring 2018 they will be tamed and organized!  I want to go to Philadelphia (I’ve never made a secret of that fact) to see some historic sites, and be more active hiking or at least walking outside in nice weather (I’m a fair weather walker). That’s a lot of activities for 10 hours!!!

My kids both have successful businesses. Kelly and Matt are doing imprints, etc –PLC designs – and it’s fun to see their creations and how well received they have been. Nate (and Dave) are looking at their third year of B&B Window Cleaning, and have faithful, delighted customers. Jen and her Nine Lives Rescue has done just that: rescued and adopted out countless displaced dogs and cats that are now happily in their forever homes.

Peyton seems to be able to make a success at anything, from finding junk in the woods and hauling it in for scrap (cash!!!) to rebuilding trailers and go carts. Logan is taking guitar lessons and Chase did super at Bible Bowl. Autmn is at the high school in 9^th grade and in the chorus (regretfully I missed her Christmas concert as I was stuck in a snowy weekend at Mom’s!). Chrissy is in the Harrold Middle School Band on percussion, and is teaching herself piano and ASL (American Sign Language). These kids are always on the go!

My mom is struggling with memory issues, but John is a trooper and taking good care of both of them. Kath and I go up as often as we can, as well as frequent trips to Home and Smicksburg to visit the ‘aunts’ (and uncle). Family is the essence of life, and my life is very full!

The radio DJ’s have all predicted snow, but none yet. I’m ok with that, seeing that so many are traveling. I’m content to stay inside, turn on my electric fireplace, bask in its warmth and enjoy the Christmas tree and the holiday-festive house around me.

2018 is just around the corner, and none of us know what it will bring. I know that it won’t all be good, and some things will be very hard. But God is good, all the time, and I know that all things (ALL THINGS!) work together for good for us if we let go and let God. We are all there for each other, which makes a world of difference.

Wishing you all the wonder and magic of that first Christmas, and the bright blessings of a brand new year, with no mistakes in it (as Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables would say). If you look for the good in people, and in your life, you will find it.

Here’s to a year full of beautiful blessings, family, faith, and friendship. Merry Christmas – Love M