Into the Fire

One of my favorite Christmases was when I got a blue Schwinn bicycle with an illustrated book of Black Beauty. I remember posing in the living room with that full size bike holding my book for the camera. Dorky little girl that couldn't have been happier – unless of course that bike had been a full size horse. 🙂

My parents let me sleep on the couch on Christmas Eve. I slept so sound I never heard them once put out the big present (as in a Schwinn bicycle) from Santa. Aahh, who can remember sleeping that sound?

I used to get up in the middle of the night from the couch - super early Christmas morning - and let my dog upstairs from the basement where he slept. He'd get his stocking and find the squeaky toys. I'd open all my presents alone. It was great. Not so much for my parents listening to the squeaky toys.

The year I went to Europe, I got back just a few days before Christmas and had to wrap every single Christmas gift I brought back in one day. I've hated wrapping presents ever since.

I love buying Christmas gifts. The Christmas before I went to Europe I had been working full time to save my money to do the trip. But this was the one year when I had the money to indulge my parents with truly nice gifts. It was the greatest fun to be able to do that. When he passed away, my dad still had the valet chair I bought him that year.

Father, I owe you everything. My life has been good. You've given me so much. No way to repay you. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.