Ummm....

Y'all, it's almost Christmas!!! Unbelievable! Where has time gone? People always say that the older you get the faster time goes...post-college has gone faster then I would assume Dale Jr. rides in Talladega.

I.love.this.time.of.year. So very very much!! Even though the reason behind the magic has changed as I have grown up, it will always be a magical time of year. I would say it's safe to assume that would be because it's Jesus' birthday and all. Pretty crazy to think we get to be apart of celebrating Him. Too bad we take the privilege so lightly far too often. At least I know I do.

This year has been far different than years past for so many reasons. The main one being, I have a real j-o-b. For those of you not at this point yet, in case you weren't aware, Christmas break goes from 2+ weeks to about 2 days. Unless, you have pursued a career in one of the most valuable job markets on this earth...education. In that case, you deserve it. Anyway, I've been a real baby about it. I can admit that. I'm so obsessed with my family. Not being with them while they are all home watching Christmas Vacation on VHS, seeing shoddy McDonough Christmas light displays, eating at Olympia, and attending Christmas parties is killin' me. You know what they say, "Be there, or hear the stories!". Yeah, I'm hearing the stories.

You know what just dawned on me though, amidst my pity party (that is going on about 2 weeks now)? It doesn't matter where I am because baby Jesus was still born in that little Manger many years ago and I can celebrate that anywhere, anytime. Even better, the story doesn't end there. He walked this wretched earth for 30 years, died on the Cross for me (and you and our families and friends and enemies...), rose again, and His Spirit is alive and well and gets us through each and everyday. For that I am ever-grateful! SO, I'm trashing the party hats, gonna quit complaining to my oh-so-patient boyfriend so he can enjoy home, enjoy these next few days at my awesome job and the new great friends I have made there, sit by our tree, and anticipate 9:30PM Christmas Eve eve (when I'm going home) like a 5 year old girl getting her first Barbie.

The simplicity and Peace of the Baby in the Manger is such a sweet thing. Let's all work harder to just revel in His Glory this Christmas season. (And yes, I kinda just assumed we are all a little sinful. Forgive me?)

BIG love,
Kenz

P.S. If you need a little somethin' somethin' to get you in gear, just watch this preciousness that Ashley shared with me...