"Presence"

My Gift List continues...

Number 156 - His presence.

How strange, that God would choose a cold, smelly manger for the birth of His son. Jesus, wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, our prince of peace...lying in an unexalted bed, having come so close, His presence touching ours. God positions himself in humble places, where He makes His presence known.

We, meaning those who know and love Eamon, are aware that he seems to peacefully rest in the presence of God. It is often my explanation for his pleasant disposition, patience and joy-filled attitude. But in light of Christmas, and the manger, my understanding is quickened. The reality, Emmanuel - God being with us, becomes so clear. He chose to be present for each of us, and to be found among the least of these...with the poor, the dispossessed, the ones the world would push to the side, and it is there that He can be found.

Eamon walks closely with God, and I am so thankful to witness the divine crossing paths with humanity. It's like everyday is Christmas, I just love "presence"!

Season for Gratitude...

I left off with my Gift List in December of '08, surely there are things to be thankful for in '09!



I had the joy of attending a lovely Christmas tea this past Friday evening -candlelight, twinkling trees, poinsettias, beautifully appointed tables, and lots of yummy desserts! The speaker challenged the group to spend the next four weeks keeping a gratitude-type journal, promising a great reward in attitude, perspective, even energy level. I had been planning to revisit my ongoing list, and I just so happen to be awake with the prince (no nurse tonight). So, no better time to keep track of the sweet blessings that bombard my day than 4:15 in the morning, well actually...I could think of a better time!

#150...yes, I had forgotten where I left off...
Eamon, keeping me awake tonight. This time last weekend, the prince was in the hospital with H1N1, but tonight he sleeps - intermittently, at home! He did an amazing job fighting the flu. The Drs were impressed with his strength, and believed it safer to discharge him after 24 hours to our care, not wanting him to pick-up a secondary infection in the PICU.

#151
An unexpected date with Maeve to see a Holiday show. Her dance school performed excerpts from the Nutcracker, some Hanukkah songs, and a dance set to The Night Before Christmas. She left inspired to audition next year for a part, I left with a deposit of Christmas spirit!

#152
My newest niece, Grace Marie Rogers. My big brother's 4th girl! I can't wait to meet her - planning to be an unapologetic baby-hog.

#153
The excitement, each morning, as M&M search for the latest location of our Elf on the Shelf. Their scramble to open the Advent box door to discover the day's treat. And, the understanding they already exhibit of the true meaning of Christmas!

#154
The flood of Christmas cards...brimming with news of the past year, and with pictures of those we love.

#155
Peppermint bark, cookies, and seasonal flavors at Starbucks!