Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas Makes Me Cry

I just realized how many of my blogs are inspired while I am sitting in traffic listening the radio. I guess that makes sense considering how long I do sit in traffic every week. It does give me time to think and contemplate life, and for that, I am thankful.

At Christmas, they are always stories on the radio about soldiers that are away from their families, people stricken with illnesses, and people who have suffered such tragedies in their lives. They get me every time. I used to pride myself on not being on of those girls that cries at the drop of a hat. Well, I guess those days are gone because I find myself sitting in my car crying my eyes out for someone I hurt for, even though I don't know them. Then I cry harder when someone, out of the spirit of the season, makes a wish come true for one of those families. I even make myself cry sometimes when I hear a song that reminds me of my family that will be celebrating Christmas in Heaven instead of here with me. (This year will be my first Christmas without my sweet Olivia.) Conveniently, there is a song that portrays my exact feelings. I guess I'm not the only one who gets overwhelmed by emotions at Christmas.

Mandisa and Matthew West

I think of loved ones who've passed away
And I pray they're resting in a better place
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of soldiers across the sea
Sometimes I wonder why it's them instead of me
But for my freedom they give their lives
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of family, I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
'Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that's why Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of Mary and the virgin birth
And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
That He would send His only Son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness and tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me
Oh, sometimes Christmas makes me

Christmas makes me cry
Olivia Christmas Eve 2009

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

The moment the castle lit up in Christmas lights, I almost cried.

Breakfast at the Grand Floridian
Epcot at sunset
A dream finally came true last week: I got to celebrate my birthday in Disney World! Yes, I am 25 going on 6. It was absolutely magical to see Disney decorated for my favorite holiday. It is not a week I will forget anytime soon.
Gingerbread House in the Grand Floridian
Epcot's huge tree
Favorite moment of the trip: Stitch trying to go home with me

Osbourne Lights in Hollywood Studios

At Animal Kingdom with Pluto


Stitch is cute enough to eat!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

All I Really Want

It's December. I can't believe it! I seems like it was just Christmas, and here it is sneaking up on me again. It's the time of year when we are supposed to consider how blessed we are while celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. It's really easy to get wrapped up in everything going on...buying presents, parties, decorating, and all that, and forget about the simple everyday blessings we take for granted.

I had a moment on the way home from work the other day. I was sitting in traffic. It had been a long day, and I was really tired. I was getting impatient and just wanted to get home. Listening to my favorite radio station, 104.7, I heard a Christmas song that made me really sad.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Well I don’t know if you remember me or not
I’m one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me – I was standing off alone
I didn’t come and talk to you, ‘cause that’s never worked before
And you’ll prob’ly never see this letter anyway
But just in case there’s something you can do to help me out
I’ll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it’s really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I’m really trying hard not to be bad
But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Well, maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I’ve heard
Sounds like the greatest gift on earth would be a mom

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas

Is someone who’ll be there
To sing me “Happy Birthday”
For the next 100 years
And it’s OK if they’re not perfect
Well, even if they’re a little broken, that’s alright
‘Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go
It’s almost time for bed
And maybe next time I write you
I’ll be at home

‘Cause all I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I’ll never be alone
Someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for
Well, there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Just a family

That’s all I really need

I can sympathize with the little boy in this song. All I really need for Christmas is to be with my family. We're not perfect. We're a little broken, and that's alright. Sure there are material things I would love to see under the tree, but what I treasure most this time of year is the special time spent with the ones I love. I am so blessed to have a family that loves me. All the children, without families to tuck them in on Christmas, are in my prayers.