We have finally come to that time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The time of year we remember what we are thankful for. When the first round of family get togethers has happened and starts to increase in frequency. These past two Thanksgivings I have spent with my adopted family. (no actual adoption, just the best way to describe it) It has been absolutely wonderful for me. They open their home to me like I was one of them and do not judge or pry but take me as I am. Yes I do see my real family too. My sis and brother come to town and it is just the five of us. Sometimes we get to see extended family and the makes the visit even better.
Family sometimes gets the short end of the stick by being the force that pushes us to do more, try harder. They tend to be more intimately acquainted with different details of our lives then others would be and that is a factor too. Tempers will sometimes run short with so much togetherness even. I am lucky to have them support me in any decision I make about what I want for my life. Being almost 30 probly has a lot to do with it at this point but even when I was younger I was given the space to make my own choices and taught to live with the consequences of them. One of my reoccurring memories growing up is of my mother. Whenever we would come to her and give some sob story about something someone had done to us she would answer, “And what did you do?” For she was very wise in knowing that her sweet baby girls that she loves sooo much are not blameless and without our faults. Bless my mother for raising me that way, even though it took all this time to realize what a blessing it truly is.
So looking at the calendar tonight I realize how close Christmas is to being here. I will get to spend time with my adopted family and my mom and step-dad. Since I will not be here for Christmas next year (hello Thailand) one can imagine why I would want my sister and brother to come back to Michigan a month after they were just here. However that will not be happening since it is so close to the end of year and all that goes on with their jobs. I will just have to be glad in the fact that I did get to see them and know that I will see them again before I leave.
Remember that during all the running around shopping for the best gift, driving all over to visit family and feasting on all the wonderful treats of the season there is something more. Christ gave us his son, born of a virgin to grow up and die for our sins. His birth and death make it possible for us to spend eternity with our heavenly father.
