Packed up the Gifts

Packed up the gifts to mail to the kids homes. Twelve boxes. It seems more than the physical items are going into those boxes. It's as if I am packing up the air and words and laughter surrounding the gifts... taping the box shut and shipping it all off. I don't want to lose those moments.

I take a deep breath. This was a wonderful Christmas. It was ever so different, sharing our older son with his wife's family. None of my parents or Mike's parents are with us any more. Our family unit of five joined together December 27th. Even though the dates and structure weren't perfect, it was perfect. Mike said to me, as I whined about not having the oldest two home on the actual day, "It will be what you make of it." WOW! Frying pan to the side of the head! And darned it all, he was right.

Christmas Eve we three home inserted ourselves into others' Christmas festivities. Invited of course. Kind, kind friends who open up their arms to others. Cocktails, cocktails, dinner, mass. Croissants fresh from the oven, open gifts, bowling, dinner. That was our Christmas, oh, and add smiles, laughter, jokes, hugs, conversation, and singing. It was perfect.

Then we got to do it all over again two days later! How cool is that!

Now it is quiet. My heart misses our kids. But I know they are happy. So my heart sings. They are on solid paths. They are pretty healthy, in good relationships.

And we have made stronger the ties that bind us five. That's what happens when you spend time together. It doesn't need to be short bursts of intense quality time. Just plain time. The gift of being present. Talking about life, talking about the football game. Being present with each other.

So I am okay they are all on their own paths. I want them to live their lives to the fullest. Once in a while all our paths intersect. Then they diverge again. That's what family is all about Charlie Brown. 

Christmas has just finished. Most of our friends are in profound transitions. Kids growing up, leaving the home, getting married, getting jobs. Parents passing from this world to the next. Grandchildren appear. Joints ache. We retire, we downsize, we travel, we grow with the times. What heights and depths of life occurrences we all are experiencing. Yet drawn to the Perfect Light, we have his Peace.

The sermon Sunday was on Luke's nativity story. He talked oodles about Peace.
Peace.

So, what exactly is this peace we want, we wish for others, which came down that very first Christmas?  Remember Luke's words from the angels to the shepherds. Right after,"Don't be afraid" came "Peace to those on whom His favor rests." 

Oxford English Dictionary says peace is 'state of tranquility, freedom from disturbance or war.' Ted went further - peace is the 'abject flourishing of all relationships - with each other, with God, within ourselves.' Had to look up to the ceiling to digest that little nugget.

I really love the thought. Abject flourishing. Relationships. Reflects a lot of our prayer requests for this Christmas. Mine included.

So, fellow travelers, I wish you all the gift of Peace this Christmas!
Peace which passes all understanding.
Peace.
Peace.