Tis the season of singing snowmen, sparkly lights, glittery trees, tinsel,wrapping paper,
bows and ribbons. All of it. Often it seems as if Christmas is a time for kids.
But I remember when my mother-in-law was still around-
she seemed to enjoy dancing pandas red-nosed Rudolph’s blinking lights
as much, if not more than the kids.
She open mouthed laughed and delighted in all the festivities.
She gave out ridiculous white elephant presents and
watched as each person would open them.
Snorting and hee-hawing from wherever she stood or sat.
Often I was so caught up in the stress of Christmas that I hardly enjoying her laughing.
The older I get the more I tell myself to enjoy people-their strangeness,
oddities-whatever it is-their eccentric behaviors all delight the Father.
Like the twinkly lights and festive songs now delight my grand kids.
I take pleasure in that.
Just like the Father takes pleasure in us.
I imagine Him open mouth laughing with us.
After all he is JOY incarnate.
