Presence

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Christmas morning: Baby Wesley trying out his new 4-wheeler!

Christmas was beyond wonderful. Sharing it with our sweet baby for the first time was magical. Oh how I love him! Treasured every moment. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with the Romans, and headed to the lake on Christmas day for a few days with the Craddocks. We loved having my grandparents with us this Christmas (and for all future Christmases!). They moved here in October all the way from Michigan, and we really enjoy seeing them on a weekly as opposed to a yearly basis as we have for my entire life. We also enjoyed having a house full of babies at the lakehouse (more on the newest baby edition later!). It made for difficulty sleeping and eating, but who really needs those things anyway?

Most importantly, Kyle and I celebrated our Savior's birth in a new light this year: as that of parents. Almighty God send His son, His only son, to Earth as a tiny baby...for US. What love. What immeasurable sacrifice.

Back at work now. Being away from my family is not magical.

Trying to keep focused on the life-giving words of Psalm 16:11. Sometimes circumstances are the greatest joy-stealers. And when we find ourselves in less than desirable circumstances, well, it's easy to let them get the best of us. But the truth is, when our focus is where it should be, when the words of Psalm 16:11 ring true in our lives, circumstances don't have any effect on our joy whatsoever. None. Sadly I have to remind myself of this often. Daily, even.

So when I am overwhelmed, anxious, feeling inadequate, and just wishing my little one was in my arms, I will allow myself to come into His presence. And I'll let Him do the rest.

Less of me, more of Him. It's a good thing. How's that for a new year's resolution?

My joy is in the Lord. He gives, blesses, sustains.