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What a Difference One Christmas Makes!

This time last year I decided to work on Christmas. I had a few reasons to work. I needed the money big time. My life situation was complicated. I was technically married but single in the aspects that mattered. I was also working with foster care children for whom the holidays can be very difficult. That Christmas was definitely one for the books. 

                                            

I helped two sibling groups and a teenager celebrate in the midst of their circumstances. They did not lack for tangible gifts, but most certainly a loving and healthy family is superior! That Christmas I discovered the joyous misery of assembling toy after toy. 


 

Our dinner was tasty thanks to the teen jazzing it up.    

                               

We also enjoyed watching the Hunger Games. It was a beautiful Christmas but a painful one at the same time. I definitely cried that night. I was confident that the next Christmas would be different.


                                   

This year my life is totally different. I am celebrating in my own home, with my own preferred carols, with no gifts wrapped yet, and lots of joy, hugs, giggles, and kisses. The tree glows with lights, the dog stays underfoot, and the matching pajamas are a great reason to be in them all day. As I Google when to add the sugar and sprinkles to the cookies I can't help but be in awe of what a difference one Christmas makes. Only God! I am overjoyed in this season and for the simple things.

                                     

Whether you are treasuring this current Christmas or the hope of future Christmases, God is sovereign over them both. 


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