The REASON for the Season

Today we had some beautiful sunny weather in Texas and decided to take down all the Christmas decorations. It felt good to clean and organize, but I found myself feeling pretty sad. Even my daughter said "I wish Christmas never had to leave!" I started seeing all the things in my house that I want to change and organize. I saw project after project in front of me. And I saw limitations to my wanting to redo the whole house. Little by little as I took the decorations down and saw my bare house, I began to feel sorry for myself.
When everyone had fallen asleep, I took a moment to open the rest of my Christmas cards and read letters. I read about friends who had found hope again after divorce. I read about joy in a family despite losing a child. I read about travels and adventures. I am so grateful for every single person who has touched my life for good. My mood completely changed when I read a quote from one friend "I choose to focus on the abundance, not the absence." And another letter from a cousin who lost a baby and said "from Him who there was no room in the inn, his Christmas gifts are endless." Christmas in our hearts doesn't have to end.
I feel so much more hope and joy as I think of the many blessings I've experienced in 2011. Countless prayers have been answered. Holes in my life have been filled with love and joy. Hearts have been healed and paths have crossed just as Heavenly Father willed it. I do have so much abundance to focus on and hope to do more of that in this journal (my blog). With Christ, all things are fulfilled and nothing is left wanting. If we sincerely look to Him, we have all we ever want or need.