Pokes and Jabs

December... December conjures up memories of family gatherings, laughter, music and excitement...

 As the snow piles up outside and darkness arrives long before supper, we are safe and warm inside our home full of loud noises and small children... The cat spends more time in than out, and the smell of fresh baked goods fills the kitchen. Although there isn't a lot of money to spend on presents, the children each find a gift bearing their name under our Charlie Brown tree (which once or twice was plucked from our own back yard). We fill their stockings late at night with items dug from boxes hidden in the attic or buried in the back of a dresser drawer. They might not get fancy new clothes, or even socks and underwear, but there will be trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house, dinner round the table, and a Muppet Christmas Carol when the excitement dies down and we are settled on the couch for the evening...

Those are the days I long for but even one wayward child in the midst of many can wreak untold sorrow on a momma who loves them all the same and gave so many years of her life to raise them up and teach them how to be decent, law abiding, loving, and hopefully, Godly individuals. Even one child who pokes and jabs at parents and siblings can drain the joy and excitement right out of what should be a exciting and expectant season. Like the Grinch, who couldn't stand for anyone else to happy and joyful while he wallowed in his own misery, an errant yet much loved child, really hurts himself more than anyone else. A momma's heart can't help but grieve and long, at least a little bit, for those happier times and hope for their return in the future.

I miss my dad and his calming presence, his words of wisdom, and his unconditional love. I miss my mom in law too, who always has a word of encouragement and can make any holiday special. I am forever grateful for her presence with us last year when everything just seemed to be falling apart around us. We brought her here for a different heartbreak never knowing how much her being here would mean to us as well.I wish she could be here every Christmas.

I know I need to spend more time on my knees praying for each and every one of my children, their significant others, and my grandchildren, and I need to take a cue from those two individuals who are an example to me. Love and encouragement go a long way in times of despair.

PS. Rocky had some fun stringing Froot Loops yesterday. :)