When is Christmas over for you? I’ve heard several say it’s as soon as December 25 darkens, when the tree and trimmings come down. Others, like myself, enjoy the wake of it all by keeping the tree lights aglow until the New Year’s celebration is over. Even though I relish the reminiscing, the warm glow of the dust settling, and all the left over goodies, I’ll have to say Christmas is over when the kids go home. That’s what it’s been about, celebrating the Son of God, by having our son and daughter with us more than usual. That sounds selfish after I’ve said it, but it is the truth. As I sit here in the early morning dark, our daughter is now on the road home, having had nearly a week with us. Tight hugs, laughter and gratitude, and a bag of homemade goodies accompanied her departure. Her fur baby was SO  excited to be loading the car that he didn’t even look back to say ‘bye’ and just escaped my touch as I reached out to give him a tootle-loo pat. He was headed home!

A quick devotional with our cup of peppermint mocha before our girl took off, was from “Mornings With the Holy Spirit”, day December 28. Titled ‘Be the Friend that I am to You’, it was a good send off for her because she really is a wonderful friend. Not only to us, but also to her friends, and those she serves in her role in human resources as well. Her desire to make us feel loved and appreciated is matched by her warmth and humor to extended family. Loyal to her friends and work, even the four a.m. phone call during the weekend was taken with an ‘all in the job’ attitude, and no complaining. (A friend loves at all times, Proverbs 17:17 NKJV) How wonderful to have had her hanging with the folks in her vacation time! And how wonderful that God provides an even greater friend to all! The Holy Spirit is that comforter whom Jesus left with His followers. In God we have a Father, a brother in Jesus Christ, and a friend who sticks closer than a brother in Holy Spirit. What a wonderful thing to know. When all the world is down on life; when a friend betrays you; when the cut-throat society steps on you; all is well, because we have a friend like no other, who will never betray nor fail us. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).

So, after our generous-hearted son spent the day with us yesterday, and our loving daughter hit the road today, it is over. Time to clean, organize, and get back to work. What a joy to be able to pause in whatever span of time you have, with good friends, and say goodbye to a year of blessings as we look forward to a new one. May your new year be full of joy, peace that passes all understanding, and the love of great friends!  Especially the friend Jesus. Happy New Year friends! “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

Eternally His, Trisha