If you were to ask me what my favorite meal of the day is, my answer would be breakfast... followed closely by lunch and supper. Might as well throw “elevensies” in there as well... with size 13 feet, I’m obviously part Hobbit. I feel much the same way about seasons. I’m not so sure that I could fully appreciate living in a place where there are no seasons. I would miss the sultry greens of summer, the ephemeral vividness of autumn, the sleepiness of winter, and the hope of spring... there’s something to look forward to in each coming season, even in so brief a moment as this one from Rough Ridge here in the mountains of North Carolina.

There’s always something to expect in the season we’re now in... Christmas. The crisp, dry air makes the stars shine a little brighter... and makes me realize Christmas wouldn’t be the same on the beaches of Australia or New Zealand! I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity, though Christmas in winter just seems right. Why else would Bob Cratchit need an extra lump of coal?

My expectations for the season changed some years back when I was part of a music team that visited a particular nursing home... I played carols and hymns on the guitar, along with my friend, Clyde, as others sang along. The women in the group decided to buy presents for everyone in the home... men got a comb and a pair of socks, women got a hairbrush and Chapstick, and everyone (that could have one) got a big candy cane. My first thought concerning this was “We could do better.” My second thought wasn’t much better... but then I noticed something. Most everyone there were crying tears of joy, because someone remembered them. The presents were small tokens... but they came with a powerful added gift of touch as a hug or a hand held, or a word spoken, or a willing ear... expressions of love for those who feel left out or forgotten. It truly is the little things in life that make lasting differences. Remember that this season!

This has been a year of challenges and firsts for me... this will be my first Christmas as a married man, and I’m loving it. I’d better be, as I just read the loving inscription in my ring, “If you can read this, you’re in trouble!” That’s one expectation I didn’t expect... don’t tell Joyce!

Check out this song by Matthew West, My Own Little World... it touches on issues that would do well for us to know, especially in this season. Seven little words in that song greatly impact how I see this world... “Break my heart for what breaks yours.” Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Yasgzjc0w