Discovering Lights and Cherishing Moments

"Our" Christmas tree this year:





















This particular tree is not actually real (gasp!), but it's not ours (belonging to our dear friends and residing in THEIR HOUSE in-which-we-are-trespassing-upon-sweet-hospitality) and we are VERY fortunate to be able to share it with them! - Or rather, that THEY share it with US:-)

By the time it was finally erected some few days ago, I breathed a sigh of relief and contentment. It began to feel a little more Christmasy here at the Smith's. What in the world has that woman been doing, that she can't get to the IMPORTANT stuff!!























The other evening Mrs. Smith told me that she prefers real trees, but that her husband vetoed that option several years ago with this (not-too-bad-at-all...for-a-fake) replica, and since he "wears the pants" in their family...

(I hope I'm not in too much trouble for sharing this story dear Mrs. Smith, but it gave me no end of pleasure and I think of you both with glee every time I look at your tree!)

...So sitting on the couch staring into the glowing lights with a sideways smile and a far away look (and I know that in her minds eye, she is enjoying the image of her beloved man), she says dreamily and with good humor:

"I like real trees the best, but every time I look at our man-made model, I just think how glad I am that my husband is the head of our family!"










Now THAT is a womanly woman. And I like her tree better and better! :-)



This year, Carolina Truth is just old enough to get acquainted with the lovely tradition of a lighted tree, and it is always a delight for momma to watch the discovery and awe. The "newness" of it all and baby's delight!















































Once again, I am thankful she isn't mobile yet - that is a kind of fun I am willing to forgo with a Christmas tree!

We're having a season filled with thanks-giving and many sweet moments.
May the Lord richly bless each of you!