There is so much to be thankful for…

1. Our home is now, finally our own.

2. P was accepted into a university yesterday. One down, by God’s grace, four to go…

3. The wonderful news that someone has offered to shoulder the expenses and cost of bringing Hannah’s ventilator to the Philippines!

4. The wonders of acupuncture and good health.

5. The love of family and friends.

In a world fraught with so much trouble and crisis, we count our blessings. HE is the true and constant ONE who provides for everything we need. After a weeks stay in the hospital, so much work and many chores and tasks waiting to be done.

I really wasn’t feeling all “Christmassy” and my best girlfriends and I were wondering if it was a function of our wonderful age. Over a cozy lunch, we pondered about how we just wanted to cocoon with family and the friends who matter, or just simply get away for a day to be by ourselves, to do things that would enrich our tired bodies and spirits. Somehow, parties have become a chore so you learn to prioritize and only go to the ones that matter. The traffic all over is no help so nothing beats staying home and wrapping a few meaningful presents while enjoying the chill (yes, the weather here at home is just so lovely this year!) of a quiet December evening.

This morning a good friend wrote me on Facebook — “Don’t get lost in the Christmas rush, I know you won’t.” Yes, she’s so right. It’s a simple Christmas this year for me, and I guess for many others all over the world. On Christmas eve I look forward to a quiet dinner away from the crowd and just be with my loved ones in a quiet place. We stop to remember the reason for the season and remember that no matter what 2008 may have brought us — it is in HIM alone that we find hope and reason to rejoice this blessed season. The lights on my tree may be dimmer this year but Jesus’ love burns brighter than it ever has before.

Photo borrowed from Maynila Daily Photo