What’s in a note? Letters have brought on a new meaning as we’ve written and gotten notes from my brother Andrew while he’s been teaching overseas the past 5 months. With heavy hearts, Christmas morning came and my family carried on our normal traditions. Thankfully we were able to Skype in Andrew so he could take part in the gathering. There he was, with a mile-wide grin, the box in front of him we had mailed in late Nov. (We had his package waiting to be opened under our tree.) With a glistening tree behind him, Andrew sat on our computer screen as dad blared “Joy the the World!’ and the family filed into the living room.
Our family’s tradition on Christmas morning is to present a ‘gift’ to the family, which is something we’ve put thought and time into. In the darkness of Christmas dawn, before any gifts are exchanged, we share these most precious treasures…often a portion of scripture memorized, a poem, or piece of music. Going from oldest to youngest, it now came to Andrew, and all eyes turned to the computer screen. He asked brother Austin to turn the skype camera to one of the corner coffee tables. “Put your hand underneath it Austin. Before I left last August, I taped my gift to the family to the bottom of the table. Take the note to mom and have her read my gift to the family.”
As Austin now searched under the table there was not a dry eye, while the family sat frozen in amazement . Austin untaped Andrew’s Christmas gift from under the table that we’ve moved, swept under, and bumped against for the past 5 months. There it was.. the letter, still unhampered and securely taped to the bottom. “Now read it please, mom!” Andrew said. Right. Mom was in no shape to read! She gathered herself, and slowly began, while we soaked up every word. A beautiful poem, comforting us all in his absence. His love for his family. His heart for sharing Christ. Even instructing Austin to plant his beloved garden plot well in the Spring.
Christmas lights, music, the celebration of our Savior’s birth..Andrew’s favorite time of the year. ‘ Let’s go caroling! Who will sleep under the tree with me?’ Andrew has always had a way of bringing the family together in celebration. And now a hidden poem waiting to be read Christmas morning. As we each celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this season, I’m beginning to grasp the importance of thanking the Father for those He has graciously placed in my life, and cherishing the precious time (however long or short that may be) He has given us together. Be blessed as you spend time with those you cherish this holiday season!! I love you Andrew!!
“Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Monday, December 28, 2009
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