Christmastime

I've had some bad days in the past couple weeks. Some really bad days. It's not good for me or those around me. I've been trying to work my way through it. God feels so distant and I know it's because I've pushed Him out, not because He isn't there. He's always there, with more than enough grace. Lately I guess I've felt like Gomer - rescued from a miserable life of spiritual prostitution - only to keep running back to the same thing. I am ever thankful for those in my life who offer me such grace and patience and love me in spite of all the flaws.



On a better note, I am geared up for Christmas. My whole life I have only missed one Christmas with my family when I was living in Hawaii. On a bit of whim I decided to head to a friends for Christmas this year and give my best friend the gift she wants of spending time with me. And anytime you can spend Christmas with children, it adds a wonderful sense of magic and joy to the season. But because I am going away, all my holiday shopping had to be completed 2 weeks early.



Most went quite well. This week all I had left was something for Wayne, my mom's new husband (I haven't quite adjusted to the term step-dad yet). What does one get for that kind of person? I don't know him very well. I was given a few very unhelpful ideas. Finally I decided on a classic car ornament and some chocolates. I know it's not the most personal or perfect gift, but it will have to do for this year.



Then on Thursday, I got an email from an online supplier I had ordered from that my order couldn't be fulfilled as the product had been discontinued and they didn't have any left in stock. They apologized for the inconvenience. Of course it was the one gift that took me days to find and pick out. Back to the drawing board I went and began my search again. Found something else I liked and ordered it. Friday night was delivery jackpot night when the UPS man (He wasn't bad looking Kelly) showed up with 3 packages. I opened the first 2 like a giddy child. I couldn't figure out what the 3rd one was. After noticing the return address, I was even more confused as I opened the box to find the so-called "backordered/discontinued" product.



Ummm.... so I have something I didn't pay for (it's not cheap) plus already replaced. Yes... I am trying to do the right thing and return it. Hopefully at the sellers expense. Just in case you were thinking about ordering from Online Fitness... apparently they don't have a clue what's going on over there.



I am ready for Christmas! It's a little strange to not have lights and the tree up here at home, but the Christmas spirit is alive in my heart this year. Next weekend I'll celebrate with my parents (separately of course), attend a Christmas play, and eat too much. Then shortly I will be off to the Canadian frozen tundra to freeze outside, sit by the fire inside, laugh, love, wrap gifts, see delight in the kids eyes and be happy.



Hope your Christmas is full of the same joy and happiness. And above all that the true Spirit of Christmas is the One you celebrate.