Last year this time I was having a really hard time getting excited about Christmas. It was strange. I've always loved everything about Christmas. I love the decorations and the music and the candles. I love the stories and the cookies and the gatherings with friends and family. I love the worship of Baby Jesus' birthday. I know it's superficial and commercial and not the real "reason for the season" or whatever, but here's my confession: I love presents. Even as an adult, I love making lists of things I might ask Santa for, and I've always really loved thinking of, shopping for, and making gifts for people I love. But last year all I could think about was Clara. Any time someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas, all I could think was, "I want my baby to live."
Of course, nobody could promise me that last year. At that time, we just didn't know. But here we are, a year later, and that Christmas wish did come true. Oh boy, did it come true.
Christmas this year is really better than we could even let ourselves imagine last year this time.
No package could match this package
And no bow could be cuter than these:
Whether she's coming or going...
(And these days it's one or the other!)
Or just hanging out...
No other gift could remind us more of God's mercies and grace come miraculously to earth in the form of a little baby.
Amen.
bonus feature - more Clara chasing Rufus....
She sees you, Rufus! Watch out! |
down for the crawl! |
"Uhh, uhhh, uhhhhh.... scoot scoot" |
One more scoot! |
And he escapes again. |
Thank you, God, for this precious gift. I look back at the "just off ECMO" pictures, and I can hardly comprehend how far we have come.
ReplyDeletePraise God from whom all blessings flow!
ReplyDeleteAmen and Amen! I keep seeing her on ECMO in my mind and know she will always be a miraculous gift!
ReplyDeleteJoanne
Your story makes my Christmas even more beautiful. What a testimony to God's goodness and grace. WOW, Chrissy .... you do have the BEST gift of all! May you, Robert and Clara Mae have a truly wonderful 2012!
ReplyDeleteShe is so precious!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the miracle of Clara and the miracle of the season!!!
ReplyDelete