An Unexpected Christmas Gift!

Hey guys....well the big day has come and nearly gone....and today was even better than I expected! I havent been "in the Christmas spirit" for a few years now, i think working in retail has done that to me, but this year at the last minute I found myself warming to the idea of spending time with my father in law and then on Saturday heading to Mum's for the weekend. But this morning we got a phonecall we didnt expect...Pa's friend Helen was very upset, she had been told by her daughter who she loves dearly NOT to come over for Christmas, and naturally this made Helen distraught somewhat specially since she loves her grandkids so...so Pa asked if he could bring her out. Of course I said come on round, which they did, and believe me having another woman to joke and laugh with over a bottle of champers was NOT a stretch in the least! LOL

I was struck as the afternoon went on how sad it all was....when she spoke of her grandkids she did so with such love, and with such hurt, and it made me think about all those years my mother didnt have her daughter for Christmas. Life is so short, and its times like today you remember...the times when you laughed, and joked, and smiled with eachother. The real joy of Christmas time is not in the presents but in the present you give of yourself to others.....and today I was able to give of myself in a very real way to a lady who would otherwise have been home alone on Christmas day! It was by far more of a blessing to us than it could have been to her, and it made the whole day even more enjoyable and special.

If you're reading this, take a few moments to thank God for the people in your life that love you....your fathers and mothers, mothers in laws and fathers in laws, sisters brothers grandkids etc.....treasure the time you have with them. Relish in it, and then thank God that you have a relationship with those people where you CAN spend time with them. Some people are not that fortunate......

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pam :D