This is my favorite time of the year. The glow of the lights on the houses, the chill in the air, and the sparkle of the freshly fallen snow. Ok….Let me be real with you, I live in the midwest….It is a frozen tundra out there! I think is was about -12° the other day! But regardless of the temperature outside, Christmas time always warms my heart.
“Sit with someone special in a room lit only by Christmas tree lights and remember that your blessings outnumber the lights.”
- Author Unknown.
During the holiday season, many people take the time to reflect on the past year and count their blessings. It is during this time that I remember the reason for the season (and the main reason I smile everyday) Jesus. God sent his only son to die for us so that we could live. Because of this, everything I do and smile about is because of God. He provides for me reasons to smile. Some days it is hard to find those reasons, but they are there.
If someone asked you today “what makes you smile?” what would you say? Maybe family, friends, significant others, pets, job, hobbies, etc. I would say the same things, so let me share with you the main reasons I smile everyday:
Family: I am from a family of four….but my extended family is large. Let me put it this way, My mom is from a family of 10 and I have 27 first cousins on her side. My dad is from a family of five and I have 12 first cousins on his side. Being a part of a big extended family is something that I cherish. There is never a dull moment at any family gathering, and those non dull moments sure do put a smile on my face.
My Fiancé: Ok this is where I get to start to brag and be a little bias. I have been with my fiancé, Jad, for five and a half years now, and got engaged April 2016. Our story is not like most. We stood next to each other in our college jazz band for two years without really talking. It wasn't until we took a Youth and Family Ministry class together that we really started to get to know each other. When I think back at this time, all I can do is smile. I remember this time as one that God had a plan for us, and when we first meet that was not the correct time for us to be together. God has a plan for all of us even if we don't understand it. Jad is an amazing guy. He truly is my best friend and has always been there for me. He is a very creative guy and when asked any sort of question about technology, he can most likely answer it for you. When I am having a bad day, He can always put a smile on my face.
Nature: Just looking outside everyday makes me smile. Yes, there are those days were I don't want to go outside because there is a blizzard going on or it is raining cats and dogs but I am still thankful that I get to experience it all. Sunsets/sunrises, fall and winter are some of my favorites times. The way the sky changes color during sunset/sunrises, the leaves changing as the air gets chilly, and the sparkle of the snow are all times that God amazes me with what he can do…..and if you ever see me when experiencing any of these times, I will have a smile on my face.
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