A New Home, a New Season

    This December, we moved into our dream home. It was like making a new friend. So many sweet attributes charmed our hearts; My bedroom window that frames the sunrise, the fireplace that brings a gentle glow to our bedtime stories, the playroom that invites our many toys to roam, the craft room that inspires creativity and group projects, and the kitchen that practically seduces me to cook (and if you know me, this says a lot). I love it all, but like any new friend, it's taken an investment of time to get to know it, perfections and flaws.  That process of moving and learning was a difficult combination with Christmas, but it was blessed. My favorite memory was bringing the kids to the new house, before any of our things were there, and setting up the Christmas tree. They were so thrilled. Decorating the tree each year is a big deal for us. As soon as they see the ornament boxes come out of storage, they start to do odd things...things that involve running, tackling, and propelling themselves into the air. Sugar and ornaments, both seem to induce the crazy. I find myself wanting to shield my plastic containers full of breakable ornaments, and typically they see my face, full of fear, and simmer a little. It was super sweet this year as ALL of my kids were able to participate, and every year, we discuss each ornament as it comes out of the box. The kids are so proud of their homemade masterpieces, and their felt framed school pictures. They cherish it as much as I cherish them talking about it. It's always a special moment for me, not just because we get to make the tree look sparkly, but because it marks the beginning of the celebration...the hot chocolate, the 'gift-giving, the school programs, the cookie decorating, and the time to be reminded of how a savior came to our world and changed everything. I put the nativity set up on our empty cabinet, and it just felt right, that Jesus took residence in our house before we did. We turned off the lights and watched our tree glow, then we left, knowing that soon we would join our tree. It was a night that I think I will always remember.

  Friends have asked how it feels to be in the new house, and it honestly does feel like a dream. The space blesses me tremendously, to cook without kids at my feet and to have a place for all of their toys. I'm grateful, beyond grateful for it. Last night, I had a few ladies from the neighborhood over for a "tea party." It made my heart happy to welcome them into a place that felt restful and clean, without toys or muddy shoes. I'm praying that God will give us many opportunities to use the space for that...creating an atmosphere for sharing life, resting, eating, warming up by the fire. I may not be a great cook, but I make a killer hot apple-cranberry drink that is the perfect combination with a roaring fire. God has given us a great gift, and I look forward to the many stories that will begin within its walls.