Christmas Eve...

It's one of my favorite evenings. I'd be lying to you if I said that I hadn't thought that this particular Christmas Eve was going to turn out to be a bit lonely. I've spent holidays without family in the past...but for some reason I was being a bit of a baby about it this year.

As it turns out though, I came to St. Louis early, relaxed at the old homestead, and went to church with Cheryl, bff from highschool! Not only was it great to go to a candlelight service, but it was great to see so many families that I have known and loved since high school. I do love those Atonement folks.

All in all, it's been a pretty great Christmas Eve...Tomorrow my parents come home...I can't wait for them to open their presents : )

Happy Christmas Everyone!

When there's no place to go...

When there's no place to go, there's no need to rush. This might not seem like rocket science to most of you, but it's not an easy thing for me to grasp. I spend so much of my life running from place to place that when I no longer have a place to run, I don't know what to do with myself.

It's Christmas Eve eve....My family is at my brothers and it seems that I will be alone on Christmas Eve and most of Christmas Day. No family dinners to get to, no gatherings to arrive at on time, no Christmas programs to be a part of...no need to rush. I guess this is what happens when you get older and live further away from your family (and work at a church).

I've had such a difficult time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year and am way behind on Christmasy stuff...like the pile of presents still sitting in my front room and the stack of Christmas cards yet to be mailed.

More than anything I'd like to walk into a sanctuary this Christmas and truly worship. Since my family is not around, it seems that I get to decide where to make that happen. Now all I have to do is decide when and where to travel!