Peace in God's Plan

Christmas is a bit different this year. There’s no ladders being climbed to reach the top of the tree, no mantle to be decorated; no wreath to be hung. There’s no fireplace for stockings; no room for gifts. But these things aren’t what burden my heart this Christmas year. You see, there is an empty cradle, a cradle that was supposed to sleep our second child. A child who’s birth would have been shared with the one who saved us all. How magical it would have been to receive such a special gift on such a special day. Although it seems we are without so much this holiday season, we have never felt more settled. Though our house is in fact not a house at all, we’ve never felt more at home. No, I can’t deck the halls with boughs of holly, but our little 3 foot flocked tree brings us just as much Christmas cheer. No, we won’t be welcoming our second child into this world when we thought we would, but we’ve found peace in God’s plan. This Christmas, despite the uncertainties, I am simply thankful. I am thankful I have friends and family to share my life with. I am thankful for a roof over my head and food on my table; I have clothes to wear and shoes on my feet. I am loved by a Savior who gave his life for mine, the Savior who’s birth we celebrate this season. What an overwhelming feeling of joy that brings to my burdened heart. My life may seem far from “normal,” but I can rest easy knowing that I am actually, in fact, quite blessed.