Sunday, December 19, 2010

What a year.

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So, here is your Christmas card.
If you are a diehard,
you can print us out and put us up on your wall
so you can prove to all incomers
that you really do have friends.

This year was the kind
that we didn't have a professional photo.
We also didn't want to spend for the
cost of printing and mailing.

To put it lightly,
our family has been tried tremendously.
To put it honestly,
we have walked through hell
and we are hoping that we are on our way back.

It was the kind of year that made me grateful
for a simple family snapshot.
Even if it was
as an afterthought,
and we ended up with a crappy backdrop,
and the sun was in our eyes.

You see
we were on our way to church,
together.

And together
is
huge.
It's more than anyone can ask for.

This morning
I realized that I wanted a living record
of the end of this year,
as I looked at my daughters
and the love of my life.
We were all in the colors,
black, white, and red.

And I saw that as a great representation
of a very hard year.

We are all
still trying to do the right things.
Together.
And that pretty much sums it up.
God has held us together
in the palm of His hand.

And I am extremely
humbled
and
grateful.
And happy.

I look forward in faith.
Even if the sun has been blinding.
And what better Christmas message is there?

My daughters would not be any more beautiful
with a professional photo to prove it.
My marriage would not be as strong
without the trials and intense work.
My friends would not have reached out to us
in such love
without our pain.
Our gratitude for loving parents
would not be as deep
without the struggle.
And our testimony of a loving God
would not be as intimate.

I think we have every reason
to
rejoice.

Jesus Christ makes all things possible.
He is love and light.
He will blind you
if that is what it takes
to heal you,
to love you,
and
to know you.

And when you get through it,
you will be grateful for a sun so bright.
Even if it hurt temporarily.

Merry Christmas to you.
Especially if the sun is blinding your eyes.

15 comments:

Rita said...

This is so beautiful -- you made me cry (shocking, I know!).

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Love you all!

Rita said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AnnCP said...

Merry Christmas Alice and company!

nicole said...

The picture is perfect. No need for anything fancy when you got such a beautiful family. Merry Christmas.

Gina said...

You have a way with words and with staying strong in the midst of adversity. I am always impressed with how candid and honest you are.

Merry Christmas! May 2011 find you living a more predictable and contented lifestyle. MUCH LOVE to you!

Lori said...

I love it. Together. Merry Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

Outstanding! And I don't even know you.....your writing was profound.

cally said...

You're such a good writer.

Merry Christmas Alice.

Diana Windley said...

Very nice Alice. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!

ShEiLa said...

What a beautiful Christmas photo. I love it! and I WILL Print it and YOU all will be on my fridge. Or hutch where all the Christmas photos are right now... Love you GOLD'en family. Love from Nevada.

ToOdLeS.

sherry said...

My best Christmas card I have received this year. Thanks. Love you and your family.

Laura said...

Oh how beautiful. I needed to hear those words today. Thank you for sharing with us all. Merry Christmas to you and your absolutely stunningly beautiful family.

One Happy Family said...

You write such powerful words. So many of us can relate but just couldn't write it out so well. Togetherness is what's it's all about. When times have been that tough for us, the mere thought of us being "together" & having each other was a tremendous blessing. May the rest of the season and coming year be even brighter for you all. Merry Christmas Alice!

Becca McCombs said...

Wow. I think that's the most beautiful post I have ever read. I love who you are.

Mother 25 - 8 said...

Ali, this was cool. I may be saying that a lot on your blog BTW.