As this Sunday evening settles in, my heart returns to the sweetness of the days we\u2019ve lived since Thanksgiving which were days filled with warmth, family, small joys, and God\u2019s quiet grace touching everything in gentle ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanksgiving itself was wonderful.
We gathered with my boys, their girlfriends, and the teenage son who joined us – a full, lively group that filled the house with laughter and easy conversation. My oldest surprised us with a special treat: cookies inspired by molten lava cakes, warm and rich and fun. Whatever their official name was, they brought smiles all around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We celebrated at my oldest son\u2019s home this year, and it felt precious to be together. Every family has its own rhythm, and ours is no different. We celebrated Christmas with the girls and their families earlier in May, and now we\u2019re getting their presents ready to send this week. We may celebrate at different times, but the love we share is always right on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next day we brought our handcrafted items to a couple of stores that had been recommended to us. Their encouragement was a blessing, and they suggested we create gift packages – a gentle sign that our work is reaching more hands and hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following day, my oldest son\u2019s girlfriend came over to help finalize the presents that needed to be mailed. She is so sweet, thoughtful, and kind-hearted. I genuinely like her. We worked side by side, wrapping, organizing, and preparing everything with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, we began working on the pattern for the car seats. These aren\u2019t simple seat. There is no pattern available, and because they\u2019re special, we have to design every detail carefully. We made good progress before I sent her home with gratitude for all her help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, I slipped away to chapel, a quiet place where my spirit rests. In the stillness, I found myself drawn deeply into the heart of Advent. I spent time reflecting on the Holy Family, especially Mary and Joseph.
I imagined Mary\u2019s emotions when Gabriel appeared, her awe, her courage, her trembling, her quiet and wholehearted \u201cyes.\u201d
I sat with Joseph\u2019s steady presence, his quiet strength, the weight he carried, and the tenderness that defined him.
This time in chapel softened my heart and reminded me that Advent is not only about waiting for Christ\u2019s birth. It is about entering into the emotions of the Holy Family. Their waiting becomes our waiting. Their trust becomes our trust. Their courage lights the path for our own hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today had its own gentle rhythm. I finished taking the pictures of the packages so that everything will be ready to email on Tuesday. And tomorrow begins a new work week, one I feel ready to face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This week\u2019s vacation has been different, in the best possible way.
More presence.
More peace.
Less checking my work phone.
Less watching work emails.
More living in the moments God gives me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And tonight, as the new week begins, I see the blessings He poured out from Thanksgiving until now – blessings in laughter, family, helpful hands, creative projects, quiet prayer, and the unfolding of His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May your week begin with peace and unfold with grace.
May your heart feel steady, your mind feel clear, and your spirit feel light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May God bless the work of your hands,
every gift you send,
every project you begin,
and every task you complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May your relationships deepen in gentleness and joy.
May your home be filled with warmth.
And may the love you gave and received this past week continue to surround you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May you feel God beside you in the small moments,
in quiet reflections,
in simple joys,
in unexpected encouragement,
and in the whisper of His presence reminding you that you are deeply loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May your Advent be a journey with the Holy Family,
resting in Mary\u2019s courage,
trusting in Joseph\u2019s strength,
and preparing your heart for the One who is coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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