Sometimes I Forget

I look forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons for several reasons.

1) Because the holiday themes serve to remind me that life is not all about me, which is a terrible shock to my ego. I sort of like me, at least most of the time.

 2) Because I tend to get a little absent minded. Life is so full of challenges, and push, and shove, hurrying to get something, anything done. And, I tend to get caught up in what I am doing, how hard I am working, and the price I am paying, that I forget. I forget the little things, and sometimes the big things in life, like family and friends.

3) I love the holiday season because it causes me to remember my loved ones who are in that much better place. I have come to realize that life is not ALL about ME and MY losses. Who among us would call a grandparent, parent, sibling, or even a spouse from a place of perfect peace and health, back to a peace-starved, dying world??? I miss my mom and dad (and many more), but my loss is heaven's gain, and I have not been robbed of anything. I have been given a better reason for making sure I end up where they are.

 I refused to rob my present family of the joy of the seasons because of MY selfishness. I jokingly remind my near ones that "you are going to miss me." I DO NOT, however, want my memory to cause pain and remorse if I do leave before the rapture. I would much rather them to enjoy the fireplace, snack on the peanut brittle, pumpkin pie, and eat a healthy portion of dressing that my Adana has mastered. And say, "this stuff sure made dad happy," and smile awhile for me.

4) The holidays remind me to be thankful. I WILL GIVE THANKS. The holidays remind me that "God so loved the world..." so I can have the promise of power over death, and that I will someday spend eternity with my loved ones. So, I will show my dear ones how to be thankful. I will call the names of my mom & dad, and others that come to mind. I will remember, and be thankful for family and friends. I will celebrate the birth of my best friend and Savior. Sure enough, Christmas as been commercialized, but every twinkling light is saying, "Joy to the world!"

Oh, by the way, I just want to thank you for celebrating my birthday. December 25, 19XX.

 I love the holidays.