Fragile Ornaments

christmas tree in the morning light

Sitting is not something that I do very much, unless the task at hand requires it. But this morning, I was up early (also unusual) and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I sat in the living room, coffee in hand, and just sat. I reflected on things. I prayed. I tried to figure a few things out. Made a few lists on paper and in my head.

I sat. I slowed down and just was present in the moment.

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The Phone Call

We got that call….you know the one that every parent fears? The one that sets your entire world spinning and motionless at the same time.

At 6:10pm on December 10, 2020, I got that call. I was finishing some Christmas shopping in Mobile and the kids had headed to our daughter’s apartment near the college (an hour and a half from home) to gather clothes, the hamster and prepare to be home for the holiday. They were going to spend the night and come back home the following day. They never made it.

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Counting Blessings & Deer Hunting

sunset on the farm near the grain bins

Recently we had the opportunity to spend some time with friends in Nebraska. It is always good for the spirit to step away from our everyday life and take the time to just “be.” While the men did a little deer hunting, I did a lot of work and also a little counting. I spent some time, counting my blessings.

This time of year, Thanksgiving and Christmas particularly, our focus tends to be more on family and what we are thankful for than it usually is. And with the 2020 year coming to a close, it seems very fitting that we should be shifting our focus from the chaos and confusion of the past year and looking at it in different light.

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