The holidays this year are certainly different than any previous year. The idea of only part of the family being present for Christmas is not new, as Luke was in Israel on a kibbutz at this time last year. This time, both Luke and Caleb are gone for Christmas, so I'm the only brother left at home with Mom & Dad. I am also saying a lot of goodbyes, due to the decision to join my brothers in New Hampshire for an internship program with Steams Ministries International.
Mom & Dad and a friend of theirs (Sandy) decided to come join me at SunWest Christian Fellowship (my church in Calgary for the past several years) for the early Christmas Eve service. Because it was the last service that I would be attending at SunWest in a very long time, I appreciated them being there with me. During the singing at the service, Mom called me over to the chair beside her. I looked puzzled, so Mom told me that she wanted to harmonize with me. It truly was special getting to sing with my mom - she has the voice of an angel and is truly gifted.
After the service, I got to get my goodbyes in to several people at SunWest that meant a lot to me. It wasn't as nearly as difficult as goodbyes have been for me in the past - I think God is starting to give me more grace for significant changes, which is really awesome.
Me, Mom, Dad & Sandy went to the Zoolights afterwards to take in the sights. I'd never been all the way into the zoo before, and it was surprisingly good! It was evident a lot of time and thought were put into all of the display, organization and flow of the light setups and designs. My favorite was one of the large oak trees in park being completely wrapped in a tritone design of pink, white and blue lights.
Upon getting home, we wound down by playing cards and then watching Ice Age 2 together - Scrat never fails to make me laugh in his quest to get that acorn.
Merry Christmas everyone!
