Hey everybody!
I was in a pretty terrible mood yesterday. I don't get in them too often... at least ones that last all day. I spent a lot of time in the car driving, which is not the way I like to spend holidays. Then, Mere and I seemed to be on different pages, with different rhythms. We sometimes get out of sync and when we're off, nothing is right. When we got to my parents' house in Joplin, it was a whirlwind: people everywhere, Cece acting crazy, and we couldn't stay as long as I would have liked. My sister, who I haven't seen in a couple years, was there and I barely got to hang out with her. It was one of those days where I just wanted to hit the Pause button. Or better yet, the Reset button. On the drive home it was more of the same... I didn't know we were expected back so early for Mere's family Christmas at our house (they were already inside when we got home), and we argued more on the drive back. I'm sure I was noticeably upset by the time we got home, but I was in the kitchen finishing my soup for the family so I don't think it showed.
Get the idea?
Then something changed. Since Mere's parents live in Fayetteville now, we didn't have their annual Christmas Eve program at church to attend, and sing/perform in... a tradition of mine and Mere's. In fact, we couldn't find a late night service at any local church. I think the entire family felt a little off about that. Over the years, we've made it a special time to spend with Jesus before going to bed Christmas Eve.
After opening presents, then eating soup, we spent time together first reading the story of Christmas from the bible, then by singing Christmas Carols. My talented niece and I took turns on the piano as our family sang about a dozen Christmas songs. After that, the kids got the idea to go caroling in our neighborhood - I grabbed my guitar and off we went... my mood was a million percent better, and I couldn't wait to share the spirit of Christmas... no wait... the spirit of Christ... with my neighbors.
Though we didn't go to church on Christmas Eve for the first time in forever, this verse popped into my head:
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
Happy birthday, Jesus. Thank you for spending your birthday with us.
Merry Christmas, y'all!
Dale
Apparently Mere snagged a picture last night and IG'd it (I was at the piano for this one, so I'm not in it)
