I heard a sermon illustration at the beginning of Advent that has stuck with me these weeks leading into Christmas. Here is the Tammi version - cut down in areas and elaborated where I want.
So kids have no issues telling Santa what they want for Christmas. They lay it all out there. Announce it to the world. Mail letters to the North Pole. And then they wait expectantly.
As an adult, it is like pulling teeth to figure out what someone wants. "Just tell me something so that I know what to get you" we say. But what do we really want for Christmas ... really? Do we not share our hearts and our desires and dreams because we have had our hopes dashed too many times? Are we afraid that it is simply not possible to receive that which we truly desire in the deepest of our beings?
This is kind of where I am at. I don't need "things"; I don't want "things". I have seem happiness when despair might have been a better answer. I have seen such clinging to hope when life isn't life. And stuff doesn't answer the questions that creep in nor the tears that appear without prompting.
I don't want anything for Christmas because what I want, I cannot have. What is my grown-up Christmas wish? To hug my dad, have him hold me. To have our fun, random conversations. To tell him that I love him. He didn't hear that enough.
So what else do I want for Christmas, something that IS possible? To love life, love friends, love hope, love my God. Merry Christmas all!
hello
me
- tam
- Who am I? Intriguing question. Maybe you can tell me. I may not know much, but I do know this - My purpose: I have a passion for international architecture (both design and construction), well quite a bit more than just architecture. I have a great desire to help people-to be a blessing. After many trips throughout the world, I have seen a great need. My chosen medium is through a kind of infrastructure planning career for developing nations... but as of yet, I don't know what that exactly looks like. But for now, graduate school to prepare me in being more useful. Beyond all that - I am a pair of hands wanting to be used by my Lord.
Indian beads
not to forget
Father's Legacy
family
Kelli (sister), Dad (rest in peace), me
three generations
Cathedral, Poland
Single flower in front of a Saint and slender European bicycle leaning, waiting. How picturesque.
I wonder why I associate to this ... ?
2 comments:
It is so good to remember our Dad. Today, I got to till the garden. When I do that, my Dad is always with me. :-) I agree to hug my Dad again would be amazing. Since I cannot I must rely on others, both family and friends, to give me the earthy hugs I no longer get. Rest in the fact that you were loved by your Dad and that you love him. That love for your Dad will never fade. You are blessed. So waste no time, love the others that are here. Sending you a BIG HUG, Ruth
I understand and completely agree with you. The gift of presence is more valuable than presents. Thank you.
Peace,
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