a new season

Well, Thanksgiving came and went.

The holiday shoppers extracted every last door buster on that glorious Friday.

ABC Family did a count down to the count down to the 25 Days of Christmas.

And now it's December 2nd.

This is the first holiday season where I feel more sad than joyful.

Last year's Christmas season was emotional, yes.

My beloved cousin got married.

I turned 21.

My best friend came home after being gone 11 months.

But those were all good things.  Emotional, yes; but good.

This Christmas season, a part of my heart is missing.  I buried her this past summer.  It may sound crazy, but I can't wrap my mind around a Christmas Day without her.  I cried a lot over Thanksgiving, because I miss her so much.

This Christmas season, I will choose to be thankful in the moments when I want to wallow in my self pity.  

I am thankful that my parents are alive. 

I'm thankful I did not lose a grandparent this year.  

I am thankful for each of my brothers, 

and the laughter we will share over the holidays.  

I am thankful for Jesus,

and everything He is.

"Be joyful always."

-1 Thessalonians 5:16