If you are unfamiliar with SOOJ, what I mean is "straight out of the journal." From time to time I post, unedited, something that I wrote in the journal I carry with me everywhere. This is one such post.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Ozark, MOThere comes a moment every holiday season when Christmas enters my heart. A moment when Christmas arrives. Some years, it doesn't arrive until as late as Christmas Eve. This year, it arrived before Thanksgiving. I sat and cried and cried as a as a "Give This Christmas Away" played and the aisle at church filled with people. The huge pile of nearly 300 Operation Christmas Child boxes grew and grew and grew as children and adults poured into the aisles to come and lay their gifts on the alter. I wish I could photograph the enormous pile of shoes boxes packed full to bursting with gifts for children around the world. I'm still crying 10 minutes later. I can't seem to stop. I am so moved to be a part of this. Christmas is unselfish giving. Christmas is love for family and love for strangers. Christmas is here. God bless us, every one.
22 comments:
I feel the same . It is been hard since my parents died and I love so far from family to find christmas but sometime I do before the day and in the most unexpected places. I have participated in Operation Christmas Child for years.Have a wonderful safe weekend.
Wish you and all your loved ones and all your blog readers, a great Xmas season.
Your entry touched me and rang so true. Unselfishness is what I long for in all the fibers of my being. What also caught my eye is that your post was from [Ozark, MO] I used to work at the catholic church there, St. Joseph's Church. When I left they asked what I wanted for a gift and I said, "Oh just give me the deed to the large Oak tree on the East side of the church. I got it just by breaking a pinata. It's nice to own a tree. You can leave it where it is. Be Blessed by every little thing.
Love how you describe how Christmas comes to you. Then, Christmas is love, you say. Perfect description.
May your holidays be filled with Love.
How I wish I could express myself and the thoughts and feelings that I have in the way that you do, Relyn.
For years after my mother died, Thanksgiving was very difficult. And for years after my children flew out on their own, I would decorate our home with tears running down my cheeks.
But now, it is the memories of those little people and of family times and even of childhood hardships that put me in the Christmas Spirit. And, believe me, helping others in this season and just being more in the moment when interacting with friends or strangers does a lot to make these weeks special and fulfilling.
Happy Holidays, one and all!
This touches my Christmas heart ...
I have to admit that much as I love Christmas I don't really get a special feeling anymore and it's probably because most of the traditional family things are no longer there. I'm glad that you found it.
ahh. beautiful. i love the way Christmas found you - in a gift of love.
And what a spirit of Christmas that is! I can just see you crying. You have always had such a tender heart and a heart for God. I pray His blessings on you! I love you.
I hope that the Christmas spirit arrives in everyone's heart like it did yours. Sometimes I struggle to find that spirit but you just have to look in the right places, right. God Bless you and your family this holiday.
Oh sweet friend ~ what a beautiful post, an incredible heartfelt entry to your journal! This is exactly what Christmas is all about...unselfish love and giving to those we hold dear and those we have never met.
As with all your words, thank you for sharing with us.
Generally, when I think of the song, "It's the most wonderful time of the year ..", I do not agree. Not that I don't enjoy the holidays, just that I think there are other times more wonderful (and they are definitely not wonderful for everyone), but when I see your magical light photo, I totally agree. *happy sigh*
God bless you and your family this holiday season!
Tradition plays a huge part in Christmas arriving in our hearts
rituals and ceremony are part of us growing up
and if not there..not there.
Giving was always a part of my Christmas experience
for one child came to give all
Bless your wonderful feelings of Christmas in your heart!
I didn't put up a tree this year!! do you believe it..many reasons why..not important..butyou know..I think it was a mistake not to
There is still time I guess
if only for myself
i am waiting on my spark. i'm glad yours came early.
Gorgeous photo, but the sentiments very special. Yes, my heart always breaks because I want to give more than I am able. But I give what I can. Thanks for your tender heart.
you are a most beautiful spirit dear Relyn -- such a gift you are.
Blessings and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
xo
Today, I hopped across to the blogs of all the wonderful people who have posted their comments here. It was an enchanting journey.
I still have to explore a few blogs, will do so next Sunday.
Blessings to you & yours, Relyn... And many thanks for this post which says so well what must of us feel right now. I feel the say. My heart is bursting even more now this time of your to do more, be more... and just give what I can. It is a tender time. There is so much lack in the world, there are so many struggling. But we do what we can to ease those burdens, one small gift at a time. BEAUTIFUL photo too, Relyn! It really captures the joy, fun and sweet fuzziness of this time. Happy weekend, my friend :o) ((HUGS))
God bless you my precious friend at Christmas and always
Love Jeanne
Have a happy warm holiday season, Relyn.
I think the best gift is to give to others :)
And God Bless You Relyn and your sweetest heart!
The true essence of this time of year.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Relyn, with your beautiful family and your loving friends all around you. Sending you wishes of all things sparkly.
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