SLEEPOVER

The kids came home this week, bringing the grandkids with them. Garrett and Bayra, Zach and Nate arrived with blow-up mattresses, bottles and bibs, diaper bags, sleepers, stockings, blankets, broccoli and milk. Then Genevieve and Scott, Nolan and Gavin drove up and carried in baskets of gifts, duffel bags and sleeping bags, Legos and punch. Our household of four expanded to twelve for two-plus days, and we had a ball. When they all left on Saturday, Stephen, Grace, Gloria, and I looked at each other, at a loss, wandering in the vast quiet of our house.

It's trite but true: Christmas is a time for family. Gathered around the table together, meal after meal, we all recognized our luck, the blessing of good family, the privilege of being together, of knowing there is love and support sufficient for any challenge. We talked to Gabrielle in Chile, passing the phone around like a treasure. We called Gordon in Japan, wishing him Merry Christmas in a country that doesn't give him the day off. We played games and ate too much food and stayed up late. We shared gifts and memories. We thought of those we miss. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and devoured his birthday cake. We prayed together, in gratitude for a God who deigned to come as we come, live as we live, suffer all that we suffer and more, a God who values us enough to save us from ourselves, to offer us all that he has and is.

I sincerely hope your Christmas was as sweet as ours and that the new year brings you many joyful moments, as well as interesting challenges and the strength and creativity to meet them with enthusiasm and hope.