A home full of love…

encouragement

I was listening to the radio in the car this morning when the DJ said, “If you’re feeling like you’re running behind this holiday season, maybe this will encourage you…”

My ears immediately perked up. (I’m still not even close to finishing my shopping .)

He played a recording of a woman who had called into the station earlier.

The woman shared that her son, a Marine stationed in Japan, is flying home to get married this Saturday. You could hear the excitement in her voice.

She went on to say that her other son, who is in the Army and scheduled to go to Afghanistan in the spring, got special permission to fly home for the wedding.

Her oldest daughter is coming home from Georgia, and her two college-age girls will be home too.

“And I haven’t bought a thing for Christmas yet!” the woman said.

“You can’t be worrying about Christmas,” the DJ joked, “you’ve got a wedding to plan for!”

“I know,” she laughed. “I’ve got a tree up, but there aren’t any decorations on it and only half of the lights work. And I tried to put lights up outside, but none of the extension cords work either.” She laughed again.

And then she said…

“But you know what? I was at Wal-Mart this morning, looking for something festive to put on my front door for when everyone gets here, and I found the best wrapping paper. It said: A home filled with love is a home filled with Christmas. And that’s all that really matters.”

Here was a mom planning for a wedding this weekend, running behind in getting ready for Christmas, and gearing up to have all her kids home, and she was totally focused on what matters—being together.

It was a great reminder of what the holidays are really about.

So as we mail our packages and run our errands, as we get our presents bought and wrapped, as we pack for our trips and plan our menus,

may our hearts and homes be filled with love,

and Christmas. :)

I hope you all have a beautiful holiday! I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends over the next week, but I’ll be back around here after that.

Talk soon,

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Comments

  1. Jeanine

    Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and enjoy being in "homes filled with love."Peace.Jeanine

  2. Jo

    Yes – family should always be more important than anything else. Because my eldest son and his girlfriend won't be with us at Christmas we are having a mini-Christmas dinner and present opening on Monday – really looking forward to the family time.Jo

  4. petersteel

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  5. KellieS

    Four years ago my oldest daughter came home on leave from the Navy to get married. It was December; I planned the entire wedding without her there; Christmas was on hold. It was one of the most hectic times I've ever experienced, but also one of the most beautiful. We shared an early Christmas (a small one that year) before she had to fly off to England whare she spent 2 years without her new husband who was stationed in Seattle at the time. We learned how to love the precious moments we have together when they come around. I'm so happy that they are here with us for the holiday this year.

  7. lancelonie

    Hi, Genny! It's been a very long time since I've been here. Boy, I've missed a lot due to my (ridiculously endless) changing of blog templates! (LOL) Anyway, how's everything going?…Being together with our loved ones, especially during the holidays, is always wonderful! Lovely story! :)Hey, just in case you wonder, my blog roll is on my other website and your link is there.Cheers! :)https://www.lancelonie.comhttps://www.theflickrite.com

  8. MisAdventuresofMomof3

    That is so true. Family is what makes the holidays – I say that looking at my messy house and 2 sick kiddos with my in-laws flying in tomorrow. Reading your story made me remember everyone won't remember that my house was dusty or there were toys everywhere but we will all remember being together for the baby's 1st Christmas and watching the older two enjoy Christmas….Thank you.

  9. Joyful

    Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it Genny.Blessings to you and Merry Christmas,Joy

  11. Kim

    Thanks for sharing this. My daughters and I dropped off extra gifts we bought to a family shelter today and it was by far the best part of our holiday season. It is definately not about receiving! Visiting from MBC and following you now. Stop by when you get a chance! pugetsoundprudence.blogspot.com

  12. Halfmoon Girl

    Merry Christmas! I am already loving the holidays as my family is all under one roof relaxing and enjoying each other…for the most part, except for a few sibling squabbles here and there…

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