12-22-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 22, 2023
Guest Writer: Paula Byrd, Elder
Back in the early 1980s after I had finished college and got my first real "full time" job, I remember how hard it was for me to have to work the week of Christmas. I hadn't earned any vacation time yet so I had to work a half day on Monday, Christmas Eve, and then be back in the office on Wednesday, the 26th, and work the rest of the week.  This meant I had to work Friday, December 28th, my birthday.  It really put me in a bad mood because that was my "big time" of the year.  But, when my sister and her family showed up Christmas morning, my nephew Josh, who would be turning 4 on December 31st, was not only excited that it was Christmas morning, but his birthday was coming up and he would get to share a cake with me! That meant the world to me and got me out of my funky mood. It really put things in perspective for me. His excitement was contagious and gave me something to look forward to while working the rest of the week. It didn't matter anymore that I had to work, Josh and I would be eating birthday cake together real soon!

Gracious God,
Thank you for blessing me with the people in my life. Thank you for family. For placing a child in my life who can lift my spirits with the excitement of sharing a birthday cake with me. Amen.