Do you ever think about all the things we take for granted? I saw a video recently on facebook where people who had been color blind for most, if not all, of their lives received these special glasses that allowed them to see colors. Wow! What a powerful and impactful video…there was an older man that didn’t even know what to do with himself and all the joy that he felt, he just kept grasping his hands together and dancing on his toes. That was pure joy, and a rare thing for him to experience.
How many things like seeing in color do we take for granted? I knew a kid who couldn’t smell anything, and, while I knew him in junior high and considered him lucky, I’m at a point now in my life where the little smells remind me of simpler times. This loose-leaf blueberry tea my mom makes smells exactly like a scratch and sniff Blue’s Clue’s book I had as a child-and of course I close my eyes and think back to playing with legos and barbies every time I smell the leaves. The smell of freshly cut grass? Of my dog’s paws after my mom vacuums? Those are smells I’m so desperately going to desire this time next year.
My mom and I put up the Christmas tree and decorations today, and honestly, I didn’t want to do it. It seemed like more of a chore than anything, and it was the last thing I wanted to do. I kept putting it off in hopes that she would just put it all up without me, but my mom is a team player…and by team player I mean she had me decorating the tree and climbing the ladder to clean and decorate. Honestly though, I enjoyed every second of it. I know this is something I’m going to miss so much when I’m gone on the race. I’ll be missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and all of our birthday celebrations.Thinking through all of those events, I almost feel as though I’ve taken a lot of things for granted, but especially my momma dancing around the living room with our dogs singing “Feliz Navidad.” I think I’ll miss that the most.
For example, this will be my second Christmas without my grandpa around, and it’s honestly hitting me a lot harder than it did last year. I tried to make it a point to spend a little more time with my other grandpa at this last Thanksgiving because, not to sound morbid, but I have no idea how many more turkeys we’ll get to feast on together with family. I feel like I’ve made excuses before saying things like, “Oh, I have time for that!” or even “I can make the time.” Unfortunately for us, we don’t have a whole lot of control over the aspects of our lives.
As this year winds down, I’m making it my personal goal to be more personal. Talk with more people, spend more time with family, make as much time as I can for those who I may not see for a while, etc. I’ve decided to give second chances to those who have hurt me, even those who I may not think deserve the chance. Why? Because I’m not going to take my time on earth for granted anymore. I’m trusting in what I feel God is telling me to do, because ultimately He is WAY smarter than me. He’s given me so many “second” chances, so who am I to say when your chances have run out?
This Christmas season take a deep breath, find a seat, and maybe try to talk to someone you don’t necessarily get along with. I know it’s hard, and I’m definitely challenging myself here as well! Take it step by step, and day by day-God’s got you! If you ask for it, the King of giving second chances will give you grace to forgive others, and I 100% believe that He will be with you every step of the way.
So take a deep breath and enjoy the smells of Christmas that not everyone can enjoy; look at the lovely, twinkling lights and be thankful for eyes that can see; listen to the kids playing in the snow and singing carols. Be thankful for what you have, because God has blessed all of us with so much, and often times I feel like we take some of it for granted.
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I have 9 more months until I leave for my trip! I have almost $3,000 of my $19,000+ fundraised already, but of course will need continued support.
First and foremost, Pray!! I believe prayer is real and powerful! All the prayer support I can get is truly appreciated, as I know there’s no way I could do this without God.
Second, You can click the Donate button at the top of the screen to donate online. It’s a quick, simple process that you can set up for a one time donation or a monthly donation.
Third, You can send a check made out to
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
Make sure you put GriffithBrandi in the memo line for it to count towards my trip.
All donations are tax deductible!
Thank you so much, Merry Christmas, and God bless!
