Christmas 2010
Dearest friends and family,
We approach Christmas this year amazed to find ourselves not only in an entirely unexpected set of circumstances, but with more grateful hearts than ever before. With all of our “stuff” far away in a Manila basement, our house sold, and our future shrouded in uncertainty, we find ourselves deeply present to the extraordinary gifts we enjoy today: our amazing family and friends, our health and very lives, and God’s remarkable provision. Most days we find ourselves celebrating the simplest of victories, a finger slightly bent where before it was only straight, a leg moving with a fraction of greater stride and balance, the strength to make one more lap in the living room, a successful transition into and out of a car. Strangely, these small strides are now our most sought after treasures, brightening our lives and painting an otherwise mundane life in the most vivid of colors.
This is the gift of the babe in the manger to us: that in our weakness we have found strength, that in our humble circumstances we have been lifted up, and that in our inadequacies, God has shown himself to be more than adequate. With all of our own riches swept away, and with all that we took for granted now supplanted by the simplest of desires, we can genuinely say that we are quite literally overwhelmed with love and generosity and service. We are rich with it, and can only respond with a posture of thanksgiving. And so, despite all, we find ourselves quite surprisingly in a season where every challenge is equally paired with a deep sense of thanksgiving. The verses that shyly presented themselves in my heart last summer, before Steve’s accident, have blossomed into a vivid reality for us now: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:4-7
There is indeed much to be thankful for. Aidan and Jude have not only weathered the changes with grace and ease, but are thriving in this interim period of their lives. While there are few certainties, our little troopers seem remarkably able to lay questions aside and enjoy the moment. Such moments include wonderful visits with relatives, and many American firsts: first football game, first proper American Thanksgiving, first snow. Other than a short Chinese class each week, their lives consist merely of school and home. Such simplicity, we hope, has allowed plenty of room for them to adjust. As for Zephyr, he is making the most of his “terrible” twos, throwing as many tantrums as possible with full dramatic flair, then melting you with his smile.
We are also thankful for YOU. We are quite literally lifted up on the amazing prayers, love, generosity and service of so many, and it has made this season bright indeed.
Let every heart prepare Him room!
With love,
Steve, Michelle, Aidan (9), Jude (7), and Zephyr (2)