Kelly Branigan and I have been cleaning and decorating for Renovation Community’s Parsonage Open House (Saturday, Dec 3 Come & Go from 10am-Noon 😉). We’ll also have our church service in the Parsonage Christmas Day at our usual 4:00pm time (which you’re also invited to 😉).
I just put something else on the tree today and felt full of gratitude…
Gratitude for a loving Momma who thought to buy Christmas ornaments to mark milestones throughout her children’s lives (e.g. if you zoom in, just above and to the right of that big cow is a “Baby’s First Christmas” ornament with the date 1985).
As our parents’ tree couldn’t hardly hold any more ornaments, they started giving away some childhood ornaments to my sister and me.
Carrying on that family tradition, there’s hardly a single generic ornament anywhere on this tree. They’re reminders of important childhood moments, vacation souvenirs, pictures of me with elementary school teachers, and gifts from many sweet friends. On the ornaments or their boxes include written notes— who gave the item, when we received it, on what family vacation we purchased it, etc.
Thanks, Momma, for creating a tradition that ensures I re-live these precious memories each year.
And thank you, friends, whose lives and gifts are represented on this tree.
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[And shout out to that big paper cow I just put up there! It’s “Flat Marvin,” from our family’s favorite podcast Edengrove Presents: God’s Big Story.]
