If we make it through December

I have literally been singing this song to myself for months now. If you don’t know this song – it’s only the first few lines I repeat, a classic by Waylon Jennings .

If we make it through December
Everything’s gonna be all right, I know

For the last 6 Christmas’ my wish every year is for my kids to know what gratitude really is, that December is not about gifts. Please don’t think me a grinch I love the joy gift giving brings but more than anything I want them to understand how much hard work makes these gifts possible. Every year I tell myself I will buy less. I get better at it every year .

I was reading in my book last night before bed, the author suggest we should be grateful for the trials and strife we endure because it’s is pulling us deeper and nearer with God and his heart for us. I laughed out loud momentarily because I realized this year had done just that. There are many trials I am sooo grateful for because I see different kids this Christmas season. I see differences in all of us.

Now don’t get me wrong they still hand over outlandish wish list which I also laugh at as I explain why these are not things I will purchase and why- no dear 7 year old you don’t need an Apple Watch or Nintendo to be happy I promise . This year things I’ve prayed for my children began to manifest.

I watched them live with such big open hearts. I watched them include people and learn how to be kind with their words. I saw them experience that it is our time together that is special not the things we have. I have walked along side them while learning that sometimes beautiful things hurt a lot but they are no less beautiful. They have learned compassion in the realization that not every child has food at their disposal the way we do. That not everyone has a bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. I’ve witnessed my kids come to these realizations through hard things and while we sit together and cry sometimes. I see their hearts blooming and their prayers become more meaningful and selfless .

And with this realization I have rearranged the lyrics to , if we make it TO December, everything is going to be alright I know.

I know this because it’s the most beautiful month of my entire year. It is filled with beauty, extra family time, laughter and more Jesus experiences. We have made it to an entire month of celebrating the reason there is breath in our lungs, and through this year I have had more answered prayers than any other year in my life .

This year I experienced healing in my marriage beyond what I could have imagined.

Healing in the hearts of loved ones from decades of buried pain

God writing a beautiful testimony through addiction in more than a few of my sisters as they rise from the ashes

Physical healing in my Dad – and you know I didn’t realize how divine that was until Sunday. More on that later .

Their are a lot of things that were hard but when I look back the beautiful things out shine it all and we made it to December ❤️

And then I received the kids Wednesday night memory verse from the team kids leader and I’m in awe

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17

Thank you for attending my random collection of thoughts – welcome to December, may it be your biggest blessing yet !