Connecting Hearts

Maybe its because Christmas is so close or maybe its because I'm a grandma and have too much time to think. Either way, I'm reminded today of my days as a new mom. If you have children, I'm sure you can relate to those moments when life for your child was just beginning and your life was forever changed.

Remember when they were so tiny and you would swaddle them tight in their blankets and lay them on your chest? It was all you and them; no one else could feel what you were feeling. Your baby was warm and safe, content just to be near you.  Peace would sweep over you as you lay quietly with your baby on your chest.  I can still remember the feeling.

The intimacy that began then was  deep and the bond so profound words cannot express it. Even if there was a room full of people all excited about the new baby, I was so peaceful - so content - nothing could shatter my peace. It was the kind that came from deep inside my soul where words do not exist. Those were my favorite times. The connection between mom and baby in those early moments stays with us for a lifetime.

Several years later my life had turned upside down. It was during that time, in the midst of my pain and frustration - my desperation - that the Christ child was birthed within my spirit.  This was a different kind of new life; but a birth, a new life, all the same.

As I held the Christ child close to my chest the intimacy went beyond words, the bond between us was unbelievable yet very real. Even in a room full of people nothing could shatter my peace. I had the Christ child within and He was all mine.

The flip side was, as I held the Christ child the Father held me, I was the baby laying on His chest.  Now I was all safe and warm and content just to be near Him.

The Christ child would grow within me and our relationship would change over the years but I will never forget those early months when He was so new within me, when my only desire was to hold Him, please Him, talk with Him;  try to understand His needs and my role in Him.

Over the years, I have at times found myself drifting away from that intimacy; from searching His face just to see the smile there. Its easy to talk to Him all day without ever really listening to his heart, without realizing the awesome privilege of being in His presence. Forgive me Lord and draw me daily to that place of quiet in you. I want to see the twinkle in your eyes and hear the softness in your voice, to hold you close as the Father holds me. I never want to forget the amazement I felt that first time I looked into your face.

This Christmas I pray for all of us that same joy and peace that comes from holding the Christ child near. His presence brings the Merriest of Christmas no matter the circumstances.

 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Luke 2: 11&12

The Three of Me Agree

Ten days til Christmas! Every year I say the same thing - how did it get here so quickly? Then the rest of the year I wonder why it takes so long to get here. The confusion comes from the child inside. You know, the one who cannot wait for Christmas morning. On the other hand, the "adult me" would like to have a bit more time to prepare. Of course the "grandma me" just loves it anytime and doesn't really worry about whether things are perfect or not. It'll be alright is her mantra.

Somehow all three of these ladies come together into one during this season and I enjoy every aspect of the  holidays. Snuggling in front of the fire with my Sweetie, shopping frantically for the perfect gift, eating tons of chocolate,  relaxing at Barnes and Noble with a peppermint mocha latte, and preparing for Christmas dinner with all the family. Family - that's it, isn't it? When family is together it doesn't matter the season, the occasion, the food (well, the food is always important) but family being together makes every part of me smile.

This year we probably won't be able to have everyone here at the same time. Those days are fewer and further between as the family grows and new spouses join us. At least we get to enjoy each one at some point. Today I am mindful of the reason our family is still intact. His name is Jesus and without Him none of us would be who we are or where we are. It's all about Him and that's one thing all three of "me" agree on.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel ..which means "God with us."  Matt 1:22 & 23

Upside Down Christmas

The whistling of the wind outside, the turning of pages inside...that's about all you hear this morning as he and I sit in our PJ's in front of the fire, catching up on our reading. It was a wonderfully hectic weekend with football, grandkids, a lovely dinner with friends and a little snow thrown in just to make it feel like Christmas. Life is good and I am happy and blessed. Cliche, I know, but still true.

We had two of our grandsons overnight on Saturday and for hours on end we listened to every battery operated singing snowman, Santa, Scooby Doo, Grandma/Grandaddy toy in the house. I tried time out, spanking, finger pointing (which was met with great fits of giggles) .. all to no avail. Oh, not to the grandsons, but to the toys themselves which magically started singing even though no one touched them. Hummm...the magic of Christmas???

Then last evening we were invited to dine with a young lady who has been like a granddaughter to us for many years. We were thrilled to see her beautiful home all decorated for Christmas and a scrumptious dinner served on lovely china. Seasons do change and people grow and it is most rewarding when you see it happening to someone you have long loved.

So, this morning we are regrouping, like retired people do. I'm not at all embarrassed that I didn't dress before noon, that I had delicious sticky buns for breakfast or that my day's goal is to scan pictures for a movie. We have reached that stage when the merry-go-around of Christmas shopping etc has given way to enjoying the season and having time to reflect on how content and loved we are.

If you don't mind, I'm going to sit here in the quiet for just a bit longer and enjoy the comfort of sharing His presence with someone I love. Its true: to everything there is a season.