Once again, I am proud to say that the Freeman family has survived another joyful celebration of the Christmas season here in Arkansas. While some may have thought the festivities were rather stressful with all the cooking, planning, and preparation that has gone on here, it was actually really a lot of fun! We were blessed to have all the members of my family here together to eat, laugh, and talk this afternoon. The table was filled as normal and love was overflowing.
Many gifts were exchanged and we are all grateful for the thoughtful things we received. The best gift of the year came earlier in the week and was especially wonderful for my sister and her two daughters. After several years of misery, my sister's ex-husband has finally decided to leave the greater Memphis area! There was definitely a loud cry of rejoicing when we finally got the news. My prayer is that their lives will now blossom in greater ways now that the tyranny and frustration has been removed from their daily lives.
I loved watching loved ones opening gifts selected just for them. The laughter as Mom and daughter realized they both received Keurig coffeemakers was infectious. I especially enjoyed sitting next to Jacqs as we shared discoveries about our newest toys: our iPads! (Jacqs' was a gift from her husband; mine was a gift to myself. Ah, the life of a single man!)
As I thought through the beauty of the day, I was keenly aware of the many friends who are so dear to me that I would love to celebrate the holiday with. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and would never trade an opportunity to be with them on Christmas. However, I have another family made over the years at my beloved Pepperdine. From those men who shared apartments with me to those I have made music with and those guys with whom I have served the community, I am truly blessed among the blessed. Even when we haven't spoken in recent times, the Pepperdine family is always close to my heart and will not soon depart. So as this Christmas celebration of 2011 comes to an end, I simply must tell you all -- those who are near and far -- that I wish you the merriest of Christmases and look forward to making new memories with you all in the year to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment