Holiday Post

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Folks, it's that time of year again!

I can't help but feel grateful every time the holiday season comes around. Right now, I am in the thick of finals week. It's been a semester of ups and downs and if I could sum it up in a word, it would be: Unexpected.

Unexpected in so many ways.

My concussion the first week of school was unexpected. It brought with it unexpected health concerns that I am dealing with on a daily basis, still. Unexpected challenges with some friends, with my job as an RA, and even with classes. I have been stretched to think about what I value and why. Analyzing what I want in my life, and who I want to be... these are BIG questions! How do I answer them?

I don't know if you've ever felt this way, but sometimes I feel like I want to grab the remote of my life and hit the pause button. Like, whoa Nelly, SLOW DOWN, I need some time to think this through!! This semester has been kind of like that pause. When I got the concussion, I was forced to slow down. It was practical because, well, I had to recover; yet, it taught me a lesson I would have fought far longer had I lived a normal, non-concussed student's semester.

My grades aren't as great as they would be. But I have learned that I can give myself grace where my perfectionism would criticize me.

My relationships can support me when I am weak. Needing help is okay, and I have learned that how I feel when I get to help others (such a good feeling- I love blessing people!), well... I can allow others to experience that when I allow them to step in and help me when I need it. I remember countless times when a girl on my floor would come over and ask me if they could pick up some food for me when I had to stay indoors with all the lights off and as little external stimuli as possible. It was such a blessing, and even though I hated my need for help, I saw that the very girls I had poured so much of my heart and soul to wanted to do the same for me in my time of need.

I have also learned more about the power of a grateful heart. Really, it brings healing to our deepest self. It strengthens our inner being, and connects us to God the Father.

Over and over, the Word of God says to give thanks.

Sure, it can be a little cheesy with the holidays to say that I am grateful, but truly this time of year stirs that up inside of me!

Last weekend, I went Christmas caroling with a friend. A professor invited a bunch of us students to come over and sing in his neighborhood (there are a lot of elderly folks in his neighborhood), and then we all went to dinner afterwards. It was awesome to see some of the older folks' faces light up when we sang Christmas songs!

It was around the dinner table, when we opened up about our most memorable Christmas.

I eagerly jumped to share first, since I was recollecting this very memory at church earlier that Sunday. This Christmas memory took place when we were in the thick of the recession. I was still pretty young, like in elementary school. Both my parents had lost their jobs in a massive layoff, the water heater broke, and a few other things just seemed to stack in an unfortunate series of events for our family. That winter, I remember wearing lots of layered sweaters and noticing that something was different, but I didn't know exactly what was going on. It was a hard time and I knew my parents were stressed out.

But on Christmas day, Pastor Bob pulled into our driveway with a truck. What was he doing? We were not expecting a visit from him!... In the bed of the truck, there were TONS of presents... for us! I remember feeling so surprised, and so loved. None of us were expecting this!

Pastor Bob came on in and smiled the biggest smile ever. "Merry Christmas!" he said as he brought in gift after gift. Ryan, my brother and I, didn't even know what to do with all the gifts!

But, as I look back, it really wasn't the gifts or even the surprise that made me so happy that day. It was seeing my parents visibly feeling relief. They didn't have to worry about a "ruined" Christmas, and were able to see the joy of their kids on Christmas morning.

Pastor Bob coming down that driveway represented so many people in our church and community that cared. They each did something for someone else- and that someone else happened to be our little family of four. To this day, that memory stands out as the greatest act of kindness I have ever been a part of.

Unexpected turns in our life... they make it memorable. They teach us too, if we are willing.

This season, I am grateful. Grateful for grace, for caring people, and for the unexpected gift of Jesus. Like, really? A baby is supposed to save me and be the bridge that reconciles me to God? Yes. Because it just wouldn't quite be God's style if it wasn't a little bit unexpected. (At least in my experience!)

I am also grateful for friends, family, and for you guys! Thankful that y'all read my blog, and thankful for a season that rolls around every year that gives my heart a check on the good ole give-thanks-o-meter!

A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing... Proverbs 17:22a AMP


May the season bring you precious moments of happiness, and may the joy that you allow to fill your mind bring healing into your life, making your heart light and bright!

Love as always,
Melly xoxoxoxoxox!