December First

We went. We arrived. We conquered. Hawaii, that is.

But now we are back. Reality is settling in and sometimes it is less than picture perfect.

I'm not complaining, I'm just being honest. Sometimes the now doesn't look like what you'd hoped. Sometimes the present doesn't feel as warm as Hawaii. Sometimes the coughing and whines are so loud, I can't even hear the Christmas music in the background...but now I'm complaining.

I remember in 4th grade, we learned about climate. Climate is still. It never changes. And weather. Weather changes, daily. And then one day God spoke a word to my heart about climate, or joy. Joy can permeate our lives every day. It's still. It never changes. But being happy, sad, or mad, those are more like weather. 

Though I'd rather the weather always be sunny and warm, the truth is, it's not always that way. And though I'd have liked the transition back from Honeymoon #2 to be easy, happy, and picturesque, it wasn't. 

We are doing the best we can. We have hunkered down at home, praying and shushing these fevers and coughs out the window. We get fresh air when we can and cut down a tree along the way. 

Church was out of the question, so we had our own. Watercolors of baby Jesus and old Bible stories read to a 2 year old for the first time. I love how their eyes widen when I read the part about being born in a barn. Pure wonder. 

My sister saved the day with an Advent Countdown (How freaking awesome is that?!). She couldn't have had better timing. Bags filled with toys, chocolates, and verses. My heart brims, because I didn't have time this year to do it myself. Isn't that what community does? They swoop in to help so you don't fall apart.

After cutting the top branch with the Cutco knife (every year), Eva plopped the star on top of the tree. It's anything but straight. The weather is anything but warm and sunny, but the climate...is still joy. Remember that ok? I'm typing to myself today.

The climate...is still joy.

Cheers to December and all the revelation and pure fun it will bring!