Christmas 2006
It’s Christmas day and I only had 3 hours of sleep. It wasn’t because I had to stay up for Christmas Eve. We were all ready for bed by 10ish last night after our family holiday routine: Christmas service, Christmas dinner and opening of gifts. My hubby and kids were soooo tired from the excitement. On the other hand, I was too full of emotions, mixed I guess. I just couldn’t sleep straight.
You see, after two years of putting our house up for sale, finally, a buyer found it and they’re very interested. I’m kinda’ excited yet sad of the turn of events. Last night, during the Christmas service, I couldn’t help but cry for joy as I recollect the many awesome blessings He has bestowed upon this family. At the same time, I couldn’t understand what has gotten into me when the song, “How great thou art” began to unfold its melody and lyrics. I just wept, sobbed and wept. Good thing I was wearing a waterproof mascara or my face would have turned out to be real muddy!
I may be losing a house that my husband and I built with our own hands, a house filled with love and laughter! I saw my children grew up here. I recall, my daughter who is fond of cooking baked her first choco chip cookies as she laid them neatly on the kitchen counter… in my favorite part of the house, the kitchen! I had my quilting classes here, bible studies, family get-togethers and reunion, big time and memorable events! On a good early morning with a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, I open the lanai french doors, sit on an inherited butaca, comfy chair and just listen to the birds chirp their praise and worship to the Lord, meditate on His goodness as the cool, fresh breeze brush the skin of my face. The garden, the smell of musky, all green grass and the blooming flowers with all kinds of color: red, orange and violet, brightens my day! The dining area with the dining table where we eat our meals together….. the island table in my kitchen….. this place is so peacefully beautiful, I could hear a pin drop. This place is home. This place is haven of rest. This place, this house, has been such a dear to me and moving out will definitely break my heart!
And with all this, I thought, no matter what I do, no amount of plans I set and goals I want to achieve, the journey for this family is still in the hands of the Father. The bible says, “have faith in the unseen”. It’s hard to ascertain when they are not seen on sight. In the unforeseen events, God has taught me to increase my faith and entrust everything on His sovereignty knowing that the path and destination for my family was established way before creation came to be. It’s letting go and letting Him take authority of the many concerns in my life. And indeed, miracles happen! God is faithful and good. At the end, His plans prevail and His name, glorified!
For Him to send a buyer for our house is a sign that He is taking us to a better place, our “Promised Land”. A land that is filled with milk and honey, a land that will give my children better options and a brighter future, a land with a new set of mission work where only this family can accomplish under heaven.
I have to go through the process of pain so I can move on. Having to experience the reality about life here on earth….. earthly things are temporary. Only one thing is permanent: “relationships”…. with our God and the people whom we care and love around us.
The best thing that happened to me this Christmas is knowing I have my loved ones, families and friends whom I keep a great relationship with. All of them, all shapes and sizes, different personalities, most often times unpredictable, great giftings and skills. Your lives are all important and valuable to me far more than rubies and diamonds!! That is the best blessing, not only this Christmas but knowing it in my heart everyday, life is full indeed!
Christmas wishes from my home and as we welcome the coming new year, I send you blessings of peace, joy, love and good health!
Jen
You see, after two years of putting our house up for sale, finally, a buyer found it and they’re very interested. I’m kinda’ excited yet sad of the turn of events. Last night, during the Christmas service, I couldn’t help but cry for joy as I recollect the many awesome blessings He has bestowed upon this family. At the same time, I couldn’t understand what has gotten into me when the song, “How great thou art” began to unfold its melody and lyrics. I just wept, sobbed and wept. Good thing I was wearing a waterproof mascara or my face would have turned out to be real muddy!
I may be losing a house that my husband and I built with our own hands, a house filled with love and laughter! I saw my children grew up here. I recall, my daughter who is fond of cooking baked her first choco chip cookies as she laid them neatly on the kitchen counter… in my favorite part of the house, the kitchen! I had my quilting classes here, bible studies, family get-togethers and reunion, big time and memorable events! On a good early morning with a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, I open the lanai french doors, sit on an inherited butaca, comfy chair and just listen to the birds chirp their praise and worship to the Lord, meditate on His goodness as the cool, fresh breeze brush the skin of my face. The garden, the smell of musky, all green grass and the blooming flowers with all kinds of color: red, orange and violet, brightens my day! The dining area with the dining table where we eat our meals together….. the island table in my kitchen….. this place is so peacefully beautiful, I could hear a pin drop. This place is home. This place is haven of rest. This place, this house, has been such a dear to me and moving out will definitely break my heart!
And with all this, I thought, no matter what I do, no amount of plans I set and goals I want to achieve, the journey for this family is still in the hands of the Father. The bible says, “have faith in the unseen”. It’s hard to ascertain when they are not seen on sight. In the unforeseen events, God has taught me to increase my faith and entrust everything on His sovereignty knowing that the path and destination for my family was established way before creation came to be. It’s letting go and letting Him take authority of the many concerns in my life. And indeed, miracles happen! God is faithful and good. At the end, His plans prevail and His name, glorified!
For Him to send a buyer for our house is a sign that He is taking us to a better place, our “Promised Land”. A land that is filled with milk and honey, a land that will give my children better options and a brighter future, a land with a new set of mission work where only this family can accomplish under heaven.
I have to go through the process of pain so I can move on. Having to experience the reality about life here on earth….. earthly things are temporary. Only one thing is permanent: “relationships”…. with our God and the people whom we care and love around us.
The best thing that happened to me this Christmas is knowing I have my loved ones, families and friends whom I keep a great relationship with. All of them, all shapes and sizes, different personalities, most often times unpredictable, great giftings and skills. Your lives are all important and valuable to me far more than rubies and diamonds!! That is the best blessing, not only this Christmas but knowing it in my heart everyday, life is full indeed!
Christmas wishes from my home and as we welcome the coming new year, I send you blessings of peace, joy, love and good health!
Jen
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