Blessed

Christmas is such a magical time of year, especially when you have little ones at home. The excitement leading up to the big day was intense, the girls could hardly contain themselves and their enthusiasm was contagious!

I was battling a massive head cold that had settled into my sinuses and left me feeling stuffed up, achy, tired, cranky and miserable. Not a good combination when you are trying to finish up last minute details and menu plan for a huge family brunch on the big day. We had originally planned to go to the family service at our church earlier in the day, but it didn’t happen, so we joined the family at my in-laws church for an early evening service instead. Church on Christmas Eve is especially difficult for me as this is the time when I miss my family back home in Nova Scotia the most. I usually cry through the whole service and think about what they are doing and how much I am missing them. It happens every year. I thought it would get easier as the years passed, but it only gets harder. I have been living down south for 10 years now.

So, there I was, feeling sad, homesick and sick and was totally wrapped up in myself during the first part of the service. I am not proud as I know this is not what Christmas is about. It wasn’t until I found myself standing arm in arm with my beautiful mother-in-law, tears streaming down both of our faces that it finally clicked. Both of us excused ourselves and went to the bathroom where we both burst out laughing because of the tears. I asked her if she was missing her parents as both have passed away in recent years. She replied yes, but that was not why she was crying. You see, her tears were tears of happiness because she was surrounded by her entire family and her heart was swelling with pride and joy.

In that moment, my sour attitude melted away, it was just what I needed to hear and I felt so proud and honored to be part of such a wonderful family. Even though I missed my family back home terribly, I am so richly blessed to be part of two such amazing families, both near and far.

I love and miss you Mom and Dad, Roberta, JL, Rick, Drea and Ronan! Maybe we’ll get home for Christmas sometime soon to celebrate with you again. Until then, please know how much I am loving you and missing you from afar.  xoxoxoxoxo

“I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now “ – Mercy Me