The snow was minimal but we had plenty for a snowball fight and for playing on the hillside. And just enough to make every tree look perfectly wonderful, even if a side was missing all it's branches - the snow added something of character to the trees. Funny how that works. You hike the hillside. Up ahead of you lies the "Perfect Christmas Tree". Once you arrive at the base of the tree, you see it's only got branches on one side, it's three or seven feet taller than you expected. ALL those trees and you'd think it would be an easy find of the perfect tree. Not so much. And really not so much when you and your handsome, rather handy hubby have two completely different visions for the perfect tree. You are now able to work between only two visions as the kids lost interested after the first five minutes of climbing and a number of snowballs thrown at you later.
There we are, miles and miles of beautiful pine trees. Each standing solo, but among it's pine tree family. So many options to chose from and yet, not a one of them stealing the show. Humph
As I stood there looking out at the miles and miles of trees, climbing from beside the road to the skyline it made me think about people. How we are all solo in this world, and yet we stand among our family. What do people look for when they come upon us. What stands out? Do they see the brokenness and missing pieces? Is that what strikes them first? Or do they see us standing tall, leaning to and from holding our own and leaning on our roots for strength?
We are all a bit like a Christmas tree in this world aren't we. So many and yet, there is only one YOU.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalms 139:14
We are all amazingly, incredibly, wonderfully made in such a Godly vision that there is someone to love everyone. Sometimes it takes hiking, climbing, searching and weeding through and sometimes you walk right up to the one that was meant for you all along. GOD ROCKS and so does the Christmas Season...being mindful of Christ in this season and all of the amazing ways He uses the season, the moments, the people in my life to remind me of the REASON FOR THIS SEASON.