I figured out recently that the “Christmas spirit” is really a state of mind. Which is a good thing to know when you’re living in a place that doesn’t get snow and rarely offers cold on Christmas. I’m happy on cloudy days year-round here because it makes me feel holiday-ish.
Ever since I left home, I’ve put up my Christmas decorations the weekend before Thanksgiving. This year has been different. We aren’t traveling for the holidays this year because we need a break from the crazyness we’ve had, so we are actually pacing our holiday preparation and celebration, thinking about the traditions we want to have for our family. Our advent to advent this year has been surprisingly meaningful.
I want to remember what is important to me, remember how to rest. Pete and I have been having long, hard conversations about our real life and what happiness looks like. We’ve talked about success and why we do the things we do.
He told me on Sunday night that if I stop seeing people, stop inviting relationship, he’ll stop backing me on photography. And he’d be right to. I’ve been realizing that I’ve been trying to change the sphere in which I live my real life lately, trying too hard to figure out how to receive – instead of sitting on the edge of my seat hoping to give back the gift I hold right here.
Watching this video (sent to me by one terrifically lovely friend), I’m wondering if this is how God felt about the first Christmas, knowing what He had wrapped up in His Son.
Do you think He still feels this childlike anticipation, dying to give the grace He’s got now through Christ, anxiously awaiting the day when He will finally get to dwell in Person with His people, when there will be no more waiting?
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Love that video. Brought tears to my eyes this morning. Thanks for sharing it.
This one is definitely a dare to watch without crying… :-)
I’m definitely crying. That was beautiful. And this…”I want to remember what is important to me, remember how to rest.” That good and hard. A beautiful journey that it always seems we forget to take. It’s one, in fact, I probably need to revisit myself.
Oh… Yes! So glad I’m away where there is high speed and I could view this video. Thank you for the joy – the flash of revelation too!
Tis better indeed….
HisFireFly recently posted..Coming and going
I have started decorating, but only to fight off depression. It works surprisingly well. And thanks for the tip on the Josh Groban holiday channel on Pandora.
Megan Willome recently posted..Poetry November, part 2
Love this, beyond words. Thanks for sharing your advent to advent. I may break out the decorations today, too.
Nancy recently posted..Black Ice
Thanks for sharing it with me, Nancy – love seeing you here!
Oh friend, I’m sorry. I know where you are. I have a post coming from that place soon…
Oh it is so joyful, isn’t it?
Andrea, we live in similar worlds I think – the more I get to know you, the more I appreciate the things we have in common.
Oh my goodness. that was amazing. I have to share it too! Thanks!!
Stacey recently posted..Old and New
I love your words here today. The talks that you two are having, and the ways that you two are looking at things. the words “sitting on the edge of my seat hoping to give back the gift I hold right here.” give a wonderful feel of child like anticipation along with the cool video that carries your message home about God’s Grace…
right on.
Oh my. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. That is the sweetest ad I have ever seen. xx
sarah recently posted..the great story
Told ya… ;-) Should have put that tear warning in, though…
Thank you. For being here. For your affirmation. For reading between the lines and speaking in.
Isn’t it wonderful! Enjoy!
Yeah that definitely should have had a cry warning! So sweet! :)
Erin recently posted..In November
I love the way you share your heart Kelly. You give good and lovely gifts – you do.
Linda recently posted..The Other side of Gratitude
Awesome post, Kelly, and very cool video.Both your words and the video message speak volumes. Thank you.
Patricia (Pollywog Creek) recently posted..Weekend wanderings::it was a beary good thanksgiving on Pollywog Creek…
I’m just now seeing this!
Oh my gracious. Precious you.Great video. I love stuff that makes me cry.
Amber recently posted..a trip