July and often August as well are months I love to begin my Christmas spirit off early. I enjoy watching Christmas movies back to back. The movies bring back so many memories as I watch them. Some memories are beautiful and some memories are bittersweet. Either way, I love all of the memories because they include my children and myself.
Today as I was watching a movie, all of a sudden I had a flashback. The memory was when the kids and I were living in a small house. Christmas was coming upon us. I didn’t have much money at the time. Life was hard but every moment when something amazing happened was and still is a treasure. I could not afford a Christmas tree one year. In fact, I believe it might have been our first Christmas in the little house. I felt so bad. The kids were so excited about making ornaments at school. They would be bringing them home soon.
One day before the kids got home from school I had a knock at my door. When I opened it, there stood two men with the biggest Christmas tree I had ever seen! The tree was a gift from a local ministry I had come to know. It was so big it almost touched the ceiling! Shortly after the men left, there was another knock at my door. A couple of women were carrying food this time. It was a turkey and everything that went with a Christmas turkey dinner. I was kind of wondering what we were going to eat that year! Now I knew. Feeding a family of six was not easy for a single mother.
The best part of the day was when the kids got home from school. They were so excited to see the real tree in our home. The scent of it filled the whole house! The timing was perfect because the kids had the ornaments they made from school to begin to decorate the tree. I think I still have some of those homemade ornaments in boxes stored away. They might just go on the tree this year!
Nothing in the whole world could replace the joy I witnessed in my children! Sometimes the simple things in life are the very best ever! A little struggle in life fosters appreciation. It helps us recognize the beautiful things in life. I know that is a Christmas I will never forget. Reliving the moment in my mind and heart brought a huge smile, and some tears, to my face today.
Whatever you might be going through in life, please look for the special treasures that show up along the way. The future “you” will appreciate them even more someday!
Loving you from here,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
Grateful Mom
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 