Christmas comings and goings, at Grandma's house

     

     “What life means to us is determined not so much by what life brings to us as the attitude we bring to life, not so much by what happens to us as by our reaction to what happens.”  

— Lewis L. Dunnington  

     Well on our way into this brand new year and being quite aware of our inability of knowing just how 2018 will unfold, the above comment is a great reminder for all of us. 

     Already having to deal with an unexpected water leak in the laundry box behind my washer, causing a small flood that carried on into my den, my attitude and reaction is certainly being challenged. 

     The month of January, especially this one we have been experiencing all across Canada, can make us feel like carrying out some human form of hibernation. 

     I’ve often felt those wise, old bears have it right, as they decide to take time off to rest and renew, hibernating for a few weeks during the not-so-great cold season. 

     As some of my readers may have guessed, I have more or less done that — hibernate, I mean.  

     Christmas came and went, but not before finding me developing a cold malady of sorts. 

     My December calendar — being as booked as it was — got me to Christmas Day feeling quite exhausted and the right time (apparently), to encounter the cold virus. 

     But I had a lovely Christmas week, as various family members came and went. 

     Usually, there are many sets of feet under my Christmas dinner table, often as many as 18 or 20. This year it was delightfully different. 

     Three separate dinners happened throughout the holiday week. 

     

Enjoying one of several fine meals with family during the holiday season.

     
     Christmas Day saw 12 of us around the table. What a treat is was to have Deborah and Mark’s son Jordan, with his family: Rebecca, Lily and Zachery all the way from Fort St. John. 

     
     How special it was to have my Kenyan friend Cecile with us again this year. 

     

Grandpa James and daughter Krista with Melissa and Evelyn.

     The second group that graced my table just a few days later, was my son Roger, with son and daughter Brayden and Ashton from Abbotsford. 

     

Great-grandmother and Melissa are all smiles.

     My grand-daughter Krista and her husband Nathan appeared with my great-grands Evelyn and Melissa, my eldest daughter Karen and her husband James’ family from Richmond, B.C. 

     Then, just prior to New Year's Day (nearly making all the family circle accounted for), my son David and his wife Carolyn arrived from Kamloops, joining with their daughter Sarah and son-in-law Tyler, who live here in town. It made for another happy gathering around Grandma’s Christmas table. 

     Missing from my family was grandson Jonathan and partner Joey, who live in Victoria, B.C. 

     

Mark Harvey skillfully carves the oven-roasted turkey.

     Beginning with Mark’s delicious, baked turkey, the salads and vegetable dishes that kept coming through my front door, along with my own dessert creation (strawberry-rhubarb pies), there was no lack of food. 

     I am grateful to be so blessed with a large family that still wants to meet at Grandma’s house and awed and thankful to live in "a land of plenty.” 

     Though at the moment, I may have less “spring in my step,” I am pleased with my on-going good health, as I approach another birthday. 

    I’ve already discovered that a new year can mean new ways of doing things. 

     

     For the first time in years, I am not hosting or leading a Bible study in my home. 

     I have though, become a part of another women’s Bible study group, as well as participating again this year in the Alpha program to encourage my neighbour, a new Jesus follower. 

     Alpha is a great place to ask questions about God in a welcoming environment. 

     

     Daily, we hear of unfortunate happenings within families and communities. Presently, some of my dear, eastern Canadian family members are in the midst of challenging health issues. 

     How we need each other's  prayers!  

     Here's a great verse of encouragement for us all, as we continue through 2018. 

     “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  

— Romans 15:13 

— beulah