The Happy Birthday Party

Sunday afternoon we were greated by the "biggest" snowman on the front lawn of my son and his wife's home. Little things say a lot and somehow grandparents notice even the things that we didn't have time to see when our own children were being raised. It was the seventh birthday celebration of our oldest grandson and everyone was happy to be able to share in his joy. His mom worked hard as usual everything was well planned out. Food was great, decorations and games. There was the unexpected of course, like Ryan's temperature and cold. It should not have come as a surprise as colds are going around this time of year. It impressed me how daddy knows everything about child raising and worked right along with his wife to allow her to pull off the perfect party. Today, as my husband John was getting ready for work, we talked about the kids, as we often do, and he mentioned the "cup", again. What was not planned for and what was experienced was the kindness of little Ryan as he sat eating his meal after waking from his nap. Most kids just think of themselves. Ryan offered his grandfather and me, pizza and something to drink, (cup).  At two he is generous and loving, always thinking of other's before himself. He was not even feeling well. People don't even do that when they are. All went well except poor Nate lost a front tooth. It was kicked out by one of the kids at the party. Don't know if they ever found it. Must have, as the tooth fairy came during the night. John says "if it's going to happen, it's going to happen to Nate." Life if full of surprises, good and bad. It is made up of memories from the past and present, scrapbooks of events. And it scoots right by. Nate and his dad are making preparations for the Pinewood Derby. It was just yesterday when the boys were doing the same thing. But one thing is certain, as history repeats itself, when your greeted by a large snowman, you know that someone is happily playing with their children. Smiles are good and so are birthday parties, but mostly, families that love one another. And the care and love that they give them will be the kids greatest gift back to them in years to come.

Thy Nativity O Christ our God

Children usually want to know all about  their birth. It is very important to know how you came into the world, who was there to greet you and were you cared for and loved. Most of us are born in a nearby hospital, and of course, mother is there to greet us and daddy, in most cases that I know of. This year, my husband bought me a very nice gift, that I will treasure for many years to come. It is a new nativity scene, having only three pieces. We know that story encompasses so much more. The church gives us a wonderful account of Christ's birth, in it's Troparion. "Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore You, the Sun of righteousness, and to know You, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to You!" Everyone knows the story of the three kings, the angels and shepherds, the star and the wonder of it all....God hidden in a cave. The story is about a journey for all. Mary and Joseph, the three kings, the star that led them to the place, and us. God makes known to us the light of wisdom so that we not only will follow Him but come and Worship Him, giving Him the gift of our self. The light of His coming is the only Hope in a darkened world. He "is" the Light of the World...Glory be to Thee, O Lord, Glory be to Thee. I have received a wonderful gift and I am very thankful to have received it.Has your journey led you to that special place where you have found Him and have come to worship Him? There is no greater love.