This Christmas

At this time of year, we tend to think about our families more so than usual. I'm very close to my family, but at Christmas I realize just how very blessed I am to have the family that I have.

We may be a unique family, but then again who's family isn't? I cannot stop thinking about actually being under the same roof with all of them again. There will be the inevitable watching of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Mom and I will have to sneak upstairs to watch White Christmas because no one else in the family wants to see it. We'll also be baking and cooking up a storm. Stay out of the kitchen!

My dad will be reclining in front of his extremely large flat screen with his surround sound full blast because lets face it, he's getting old. He'll be watching football or the constant replaying of replays from all the football games he had just watched.

Aaron will be playing his game on the computer. He's already forewarned us that we won't be having any access to the computer that week. But he might give us a schedule, allowing five minutes per person to check their facebook. (so happy for my smart phone at times like this).

Then of course, Shayla and Jessica will be in their own little world as if no one else exist in the room. We never really know what they are doing, but it's like watching TV. You can see them but they can't see you even if you're next to them. Jessica will be a constant flutter of jokes, made up dance moves, and belting songs at the top of her lungs. And may we not forget, she will definitely be cuddling with her cat, Swaheartz. She usually sings an opera-like song made up especially for the cat, and Swaheartz loves every minute of it.

Shay will be counting her presents, making sure she has the most. She's probably still mad at me about the Christmas that I wrapped up some of mom's old clothes and put Shay's name on it. She was so ecstatic to have the most presents that year. Well, until she opened them...Do you forgive me yet, Shay?

When I say they are my closest friends, I am not exaggerating. My mom and sisters are my best friends. There is nothing that I don't share with them. My family is my support system and source of love and encouragement. I know without a shadow of doubt that I am constantly surrounded by their prayers.

This year, my parents left all they had after years of hard work and dedication to start over from nothing in order to pursue God's will and a new ministry opportunity. They left a house they owned, a business they owned, and a church they had started and stepped out on faith. My dad left his beloved waves and packed up his surfboard. My mom walked away from her successful, eight-year-old salon. They moved to Philadelphia. Renting a small townhouse and starting over with nothing.

It may seem stupid to most people, but I Corinthians 1:26-29 says: “...Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.”

My parents never cared what others would think about them and their decisions. There only thought was to do what God wanted in their lives and to bring Him glory with their lives. That's their only purpose. So this year, while we may all be broke and Shay won't have as many presents, we'll have each other. More importantly, we have the knowledge of knowing that when our parents came to a crossroads, and their faith was put to the test, they stood up to the task and completed it. They didn't buckle. They didn't cower. They acted out every truth they had ever instilled in the four of us. Therefore, I'm a blessed girl this Christmas. I will enjoy every minute of the Shay and Jess show, Aaron's few moments away from the computer, dad's blaring football recap, and White Christmas with my mom.