Thoughts on Life and Living
Scene #1: As I looked out of the window of the plane, my heart was beating with anticipation. I have always loved seeing the Atlanta skyline from inbound flights. This viewing, though, was even more significant than others.
It was Christmas Eve. It was the fourth of four flights I had taken that day. It had been over 26 hours since I had left my apartment in Asia, but I had finally arrived. [Read more…]
Every year, I do it. Every year I commit that NEXT year I will spend the entire month of December thinking about Christmas. The real Christmas. The Christmas which celebrates the wonderful story of God becoming flesh and dwelling amoung us. The babe in swaddling clothing and all that stuff.
Every year I get all the way to Christmas Day before I read “the Christmas story” of the Gospel of Luke. This year, I was determined that this year would be different. So today I escaped to a local coffee house to simply read and think about this awesome, earth shattering event of Christmas. The real Christmas. [Read more…]
Living overseas, it’s easy to focus on what you are missing during Christmas, particularly not being at home with family and friends. However, here are a few things I am THANKFUL for here in Asia during this most significant of all holidays.
This is by no means comprehensive, but it is a good start!
I’m thankful that I miss family and friends during Christmas – Weird way to start out, I know, but this really is something for which I am thankful. I love the fact that I have family and friends I sincerely miss. Family and friends that mean too much to simply blow off and not think about during this time. There are orphans out there. Even more so, there are people with such miserable family lives that they don’t want to be “home for the holidays”. Yes, I do miss my family during this season especially, but I am thankful beyond words for this reality!
I’m thankful for SOME Christmas cheer in the air – My first Christmas in Asia was 1999. There was virtually nothing discernible with Christmas Day from any other day. It was depressing. Our study group of six actually went Christmas caroling in front of the dorms on campus and got some of the strangest looks I had ever received . . . and it was 1999 in Asia where they NEVER saw foreigners. It was beyond comprehension.
Christmas 2012, while not exactly teeming with Christmas cheer, there are signs of the season in a few places. My apartment actually has decorations up. Though Michael Gregory says, “it looks like Christmas threw up in your place”, I am still proud of it. The coffee shop I am [Read more…]