A Wordless Post

I've wanted to start a blog for a while, but I'm not a very clever writer. Then a very clever friend of mine told me I should start a Photo blog. In essence a blog with limited monologuing.  The name By Small and Simple Means is because I love macro photography but also, I guess, because I like to take a closer look at the small and simple things that end up playing a bigger part in our lives than we often realize. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, then I've been saying too much.

Spirit of Christmas

Most every Christmas there comes a time during the day where I feel sad and overwhelmed. For months this day has been anticipated and soon it will all be over. All the decorations will be taken down, carols will cease to be sung and that unmistakable feeling of Christmas will be packed away for another 12 months. This year I experienced a different sort of feeling.

       After spending months away from my family I was ecstatic to be coming home. In the days that preceded Christmas I noticed things that, I guess before, I took for granted, like the endless hours my mother spent in the kitchen, the work she put into making the house look good and her attention to the happiness of her family. Who knew father went through so much to find perfect gifts for his kids and slaved over gingerbread to make an intricate house. The biggest thing I missed seeing was how richly blessed I am to have the family I do. Who knew I would ever be so happy to see my little brother's socks lying on the ground or spend time washing dishes with my older brothers. 

   When I packed my suitcase for home I forgot entirely that I was bringing home presents. My mind was focused elsewhere. I had so many sleepless nights thinking of surprising my Dad in the morning when he didn't know I'd arrived. Or making Christmas goodies with my Mom, being able to sing hymns and play music with my brothers.  The season seemed was carried away in day dreams. Dreams of spending time with my family and friends, seeing the people that mattered most to me who had been so far away for so long.

Christmas eve finally arrived and the family gathered around to read Luke's account of Christ's birth and thoughts of other important people filled my head

 

    This year I was impressed with a deeper appreciation for the coming of Jesus Christ. For the sacrifice of his life and the miracle of his resurrection.  Because of his perfect atonement I have my family forever. So even when I spend most of the year thousands of miles away from my family I still have the rest of eternity to look forward to. It just took me moving away from home to really realize the miracle of that gift.