My Wildest Christmas Gift? by J Vincent



I looked at the calendar yesterday when I sat to rest a moment from packing up our temporary home and saw it was the 5th! The topic this month is our wildest gift wish.  What I am getting for Christmas isn’t my wildest wish.  This was never on any list I had.  It still confounds me how this all came about but it is certainly the biggest “gift” I’ve ever gotten.

Our new home.  Not exactly a “gift” but in many ways it is considering we’re making the move because of my health problems.  Having no steps will make my life immeasurably easier.  And my DH is sacrificing in leaving his large garden behind as well as all his nut and fruit trees.  Any  sacrifice is a gift and this is a huge one.

We start moving in this weekend.  Kansas is helping with some extra balmy weather but my kids assure me they will be warm from all the lifting and carrying.  Our temporary quarters have taught us many things.  Mainly that we can live without a great deal which we once considered necessary.  I have to admit I revel at the idea of a kitchen with a stove and oven, a full sized sink, and a pantry!  Not that we haven’t managed perfectly well with a microwave, a toaster oven, and an electric skillet.  It’s been a lot like camping.  I think the best part will just be having our own space.

We’ve learned gratitude in a big way.  So many things to be thankful for--the generous son and daughter-in-law who provided this temporary space, for our daughters who have chipped in time and again, for those who have helped with the move out of the old and into the temporary and now into the new, for the support of friends through a very trying summer, for those kind souls who make up WARA and encourage and support writers even when they aren’t writing, for authors as well as readers.  I’m especially thankful for the gift of being able to see the good, the blessings even when they seem to be in thin supply or when there are difficulties to surmount.
 
All of this combined makes a pretty incredible gift!  Wishing you many blessings. Merry Christmas one and all!

2 comments:

Rox Delaney said...

Having moved 4 times in 2 years, I can definitely relate. Moving is such a hassle! The past few months haven't been easy for you and hubby, but you've weathered it together. I'm in awe of your spirit and wish the very best for both of you in your new home! Have a blessed Christmas, Joan!

Penny Rader said...

I hope you are enjoying your new home, Joan!