I have been thinking a lot about Christmas and when I was a little girl growing up next door to my grandparents and surrounded by my dad's family. So, I thought that I would blog a little about that time and some of the memories I have.
The first memory I want to share is one that makes me smile and wistful, all at the same time. It took place when I was about 9 or 10 years old & it probably is something that most people wouldn't think twice about, but it meant the world to me, and has ever since.
We usually drew names on that side of the family and I honestly cannot remember who got my name that year. But, I do remember one special present that I received and it was totally unexpected. My Aunt Charlotte gave me a small bottle of "Tribe" parfume, which was in a black, pink and turquoise bottle and smelled amazing. It just really meant a lot to me because it wasn't expected and because it made me feel important to her and loved. But that is who my Aunt Charlotte was -- even if you had only just met her and spent maybe thirty seconds in her presence, you left feeling like you were one of the most important people on Earth. I have thought a lot about that Christmas over the years and that simple gesture which she had probably forgotten about. In fact, when I was recently going through some of my storage tubs, I found the empty bottle and smiled. One of the conversations we had had when I saw her last July was how she had downsized each time she moved. I thought to myself, "I can move a million times but that twenty year old bottle of parfume will always go with me."
As I sat at my sweet Aunt Charlotte's funeral a few weeks ago, I remembered that Christmas again, as well as the many other holidays I spent with her. As I saw all the people who were in attendance, I smiled because I realized that each one of them more than likely had a similar story to tell. A small act of kindness, thought of and forgotten in a moment, meant the world to someone else. I prayed that somehow I could be even half the woman she was and that I would be mindful of even the smallest gestures, even from strangers, and make a point of not getting caught up in the selfishness and greed that is the way of our world today by reciprocating any chance I had.
I often listen to, sing, or think of the song Homesick by Mercy Me, especially the lines "In Christ there are no goodbyes, and in Christ there is no end. So I'll hold onto Jesus, with all that I have, to see you again..." -- I love knowing that God promises that if we are faithful, we will spend eternity with him, and I love knowing that I will spend eternity with my aunt & that eternity in Heaven will be a million times better than any Christmas here on Earth!
2 comments:
You said you want to be just half the woman she was. I didn't meet her, but I know that you are at least half (maybe more) :) When I started attending worship at Westhill, you were one of my very first friends. I will always appreciate that.
I will never forget the first time that you and I got to spend time together. We had gone up to Navarro College to pass out flyers to try and get a campus ministry started. I really enjoyed getting to talk to you and get to know you.
We are hundreds of miles apart, yet you are still my friend. I always look forward to visiting Corsicana so that I can talk to you in person. Email and Facebook are great, but they will never suffice for the real thing!
Thank you Brooke, you are such a sweetheart!! I am so glad that God put you in my life!
I remember that time as well, and how I thought it was so great that we had so much in common and were so much alike. There are many times that I wish you still lived closer, but I know that you are doing great things in Alabama. I look forward to you visiting Corsicana as well. Even though I know how chaotic it can be trying to fit everyone in, I appreciate you making time for me!! :)
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