First of Many . . .

Tis my first Christmas morning in Columbus (and I believe it to be the first of many). I spent the majortity of yesterday with Kerri's family . . . people who have become very much like family to me in the last few months. And I am very much looking forward to spending the day with them today as well.

I have a tendency of not being able to receive gifts to well . . . I sort of always deem myself too unworthy. Well last night to my very pleasent surpise I got to open a stocking with the rest of the family . . . a stocking filled with things (post it notes, the little tabs I stick all over my books, candles, lotion and Christmas tree cakes) that were thoughtful . . . things that were very much "me". And it blew my mind. There is no way to express the words and feelings of gratitude I have not simply for the gifts in my stockings, but for the presence of this family in my life.

I just finished reading an article by Brennan Manning called "Shipwrecked at the Stable", if you have not read it this Advent season, you should. I pray that the intensity of my desire to see Jesus would grow . . . that I would find myself among the company of the "Shipwrecked".

Peace to you on this joyous day . . .