Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Christmas Eve Present
This Christmas Eve we decided to go to the church I grew up in which is the Lutheran Church. Years after getting married I joined Todd's Methodist Church which I love but I do miss being at the Lutheran Church sometimes. As I was sitting there last night in the pew with my side of the family I realized the last time I was in the church was for my Mom's funeral in September of 2004.

I have no idea how long it has been since we were there for Christmas Eve but it has been quite awhile. Ever since Evan has been involved in the children's program at our church we have usually been there on Christmas Eve since their program was always on that night. This year they had his program on the 23rd instead.

Anyway - as I sat and looked around I saw some familiar faces and a lot of kids that have grown up a lot since I last saw them. The funny thing about the service is that it was pretty much the exact same service that they always have but with a different sermon of course. The pastor gave a very good sermon and it wasn't too long for the kid that was sitting next to me who was anxious to get home and upwrap gifts.

This year Todd and I did not get each other gifts. We decided not to since we have spent money on other things for the house over the summer. I got a couple of neat gifts from Evan that he bought at the Little Shepherd Shop at school. He got me a Chrstimas mug full of Hershey Kisses and a beautiful cross necklace. I loved them.

I did get, though, a very special gift at church. To explain this gift I have to go back a few years in time. When I was 17 I found out that I had a tumor at the base of my brain (Pituitary) that was the size of a lemon. It was benign which I'm very thankful for. Before the diagnosis I had to go to Lima Memorial Hospital which was about 30 miles away from home and be admitted and have some very painful tests done. It was a very scary time for me and although my parents were there a lot I had to go through the tests alone. Many of the tests used iodine which they would shoot though my veins and arteries to take pictures. Not until a few years after the tests did they realize that I was allergic to it which made the testing procedures a very painful process for me. After 3 days of tests they diagnosed me with a Pituitary tumor. Surgery was the next step.

I had people send me cards and I still have the huge stack of them. I also had two ladies from our church that sent me notes and letters of encouragement several times during my hospital stay and afterwards. I will never forget these notes because they sustained me through some very difficult times. They would include Bible verses and just such uplifting words for me to read over and over again. Those notes brought me a peace that I cannot ever explain to anyone. Only God knows.

When it came time for my surgery my Mom was visibly upset that morning and I believe that the peace that came over me from reading those notes transferred to her. I think that for her to see me so calm really helped her and I told her I was not afraid and I wasn't.

Well to get back to my gift. Last night as we were leaving the church I looked up in the balcony and saw Mrs. C. Several years ago (I know I should have done this much earlier) I wrote her a letter and told her how much her words of encouragement had helped me when I was 17 and that I will never forget what she did for me. I told her that she has no idea what that means to people to have that in a time of darkness. Anyway - as I saw her in the balcony we made eye contact and waved at each other. She mouthed to me that she would meet me in the back of the church. I found her there and unfortunately by the time we met each other we were in front of the doors that everyone was trying to exit so we couldn't talk very long. We hugged each other and I felt that connection that we shared from the love that was poured out for me those years ago. It was a connection that nobody else would ever understand. I know she felt it too. So that was the wonderful Christmas Eve present that I received. To be reminded of God's love for me. He used Mrs. C and Mrs. H to show me His love and His peace.

So this Christmas and always - I wish you Peace that can only come through the gift that is there for all of us lying in the manger that night in Bethlehem years ago. The gift is free. Just accept it!

  posted at 7:24 AM  
  2 comments



2 Comments:
At 9:40 AM, Blogger HeyJules said...

Lisa, you are the second person this morning who has blogged about someone who made a real difference in their life and I have been so blessed by both stories. Isn't it odd that God has us all reconnecting with those who have lifted us up over the years?

I'm so glad you came through that surgery okay and hope you get back to this blog more often in 2008!

 
At 9:47 AM, Blogger Lisa M said...

Jules,

I feel very blessed to have people in my life that have reached out to me.

I miss blogging. I have been so busy with my new job and working more hours than before. I am going to try to post more often. I have not even been reading other blogs so I've really missed that. Especially yours. :)

 

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About Me

Name:
Lisa M

Location:
Ohio, United States


I am very happily married to my husband Todd. We have a son, Evan, that means the world to us. We also have a cute little teacup poodle named Abby. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I continue to be on the journey as a Christ follower. Every day brings its challenges but I know I'm never alone. He is always there with me.

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