Either I’m getting old, or I have a lot of stuff because it took quite a while to get it all done. Mom said it was because I didn’t have my little helpers. That was probably true…we were planning a party and our kids weren’t a part of it. How very empty nester of us.
A couple of weeks later, the house filled with friends, music blared, delicious smells of food filled the air, and Stephi walked in with stealth kitty. Yay! Bonus!
Everyone was having a wonderful time, and the last one was out the door at 2 am. Good thing since I had to be at church to sing the Christmas Cantat 5 hours later. Who needs sleep?
Choirs were a centerpiece of my world that slipped away as the children arrived and their care took priority. As part of the throwing myself into the season, I joined not 1 but 2 choirs! My big plan worked, I was a busy girl with no time to think!
Our choir sang the cantata three times, and though I was wiped out, I jumped at the chance when Stephi came running down the aisle. “Mom, that was so good, let’s go celebrate!” This is one of those times where you thank God that your child wants to spend time with you, and you’re very thankful that God also provided caffeine!
Britt arrived on Sunday with her hissing cat…such a friendly guy. It felt like our very own partridge in a pear tree. Two hissing cats, one barking dog, and a Christmas tree that miraculously remained intact.
Britt was rushing in so we could see the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Holiday concert. Anyone who knows the history of contemporary Christian knows that Amy and Michael are the founders of this. As a college student, I remember actually thinking the church cared because they were welcoming the music I could relate to.
These two musicians love the Lord, have a lion share of musical talents and lets face it, in this time of terrorism and fear, it was a welcomed change to hear heartfelt chords for Christ.
During a part of their concerts, I swear I could hear the heavens sing a joyous song. I felt a connection with Josh and tears streamed down my face not only for the beauty of the sound, but the joy that Josh was surrounded by love and beauty and I missed him dearly. This feeling was captured in a tear.
On Christmas Eve, I was back up in the choir loft making my own joyful noise with both girls next to me. They were recruited to join the Contemporary choir by my charming ways “C’mon and do this, it will be fun”. Snagged them!
Silent Night by candlelight made the sanctuary glow in white. It was gorgeous and those tears that hold every emotion, sat in the corner of my eyes.
Christmas brought fun gifts…the psycho dog discovered tissue paper is cool to shred, all bows had been mysteriously separated from their gifts, and two cats looked on with a glint of guilt. They were both so curious. Here’s the moment Britt captured on camera because she thought it look exactly like the photo on the left. What do you think?
It was a good Christmas. We felt the Joy of the Season for the first time in 6 Christmases. There was only one thing that was missing...Josh! His stocking may have been empty of stuff, but it was still part of our season, just as Josh always will be.
Hugs!
Sherri
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