The title of this post might indicate that I’m less than excited about Christmas, when that’s really not the case. It’s actually more of an indicator of my lack of ability to come up with a creative title for this post.

This year’s Christmas has been spent in Camden, North Carolina; enjoying wonderful time with Q and his family. Lots of food has been eaten, gifts have been exchanged, and wonderful time has been spent with wonderful people.

I have much to be grateful for this Christmas season- the birth of Jesus, family and friends to share time with, a job and students that I enjoy, having my needs met and even satisfaction of some of my wants. I think about these things often, but particularly around this time of year, and even moreso as I shared time with Q’s family. The Sawyer family has been incredibly blessed by God and it is so awesome to spend time with a family and individuals who each desire and pursue God with their whole heart.

As I listened to my mom squeal in delight over the gift that I sent her, and I watched Q’s face light up at the gift that I gave him, I was again reminded of the joy in giving, much more over the joy in receiving.

With any holiday, there are challenges, especially when you deal with family.  Families aren’t perfect, as they’re made up of a network of imperfect people.  Nevertheless, I think the joy in families is two-fold; in providing the sense of togetherness and community that we all crave, but simultaneously forcing us to go back to God for the things that only He can provide.

But as I transition from this Christmas season and into the new year, I pray that I can receive things with a heart of Mary, trusting God in spite of, by saying, “May it be to me as you have said.”

Peace and Blessings to you this season, and always.