Yet, amidst studying for finals and probably the toughest university courses I've ever taken in my life, I am remarkably happy and ridiculously blessed. I am married to the most incredible person in the world - I have her by my side, and Christ as our centre. What could be better? This Christmas isn't the kind where we'll have a big pile of gifts under the tree - our tree is about a foot tall and I bought it at a thrift store for $2, but it's sweet and I love it. Our gifts? A few new clothes we've bought this fall for new jobs and such, and going to Canada for a week. Christmas day? It will be spent traipsing through airports and squished into airplanes, but we'll be together.
It's been the most difficult year, and yet also the most blessed. I married my best friend. We live simply but we're together. We are pursuing life - and right now that means college, and minimum wage, and tiny thrift store Christmas trees. What could be sweeter? My heart swells every time I see a red bow or a wreath - it's like all the light of Christmas and the blessed Christchild who came is bursting forth out of every decoration. Christmas isn't about the gifts or even the traditions - for this year is almost entirely without either, but it is about the joy that comes through Jesus Christ, and His work in each life to fulfill His purpose, even if it means going through the yucky stuff in the meantime.
So we are grateful.
