CHRISTMAS CHORES
“I used to get up before anyone else around Christmas and turn the lights on our tree when I was little. I love the Christmas lights in the early morning,” my wife shared with me. I knew that, but I like to be reminded of her childhood stories. Heaven knows she’s heard more than her fair share of mine.
For those that come around here with some frequency know that I love a good story, especially ones from childhood, and how they shape our lives and perspectives now.
My wife, though having had three daughters and being mature and wise, is still that little girl she was when the lights of Christmas found her awestruck in wonder and amazement. To see and appreciate the little things of life even after having experienced them decades upon decades is the proper perspective of grasping grace.
To be honest, the week’s been a train wreck. My wife’s been to stores multiple times, forgotten things like the mascarpone for the tiramisu, can’t forget that for goodness sakes, added things, including guests coming for Christmas dinner have been included on the “A” list, and she’s going above and beyond to make things special for everyone.
Guess who Santa’s little helper is? Yep, the reformed Grinch that is the spit-and-image of me… I too have spent countless hours doing the Christmas chores. Cleaning things, unpacking boxes, wrapping boxes and packages, cutting trash into flat pieces so everything will fit into the trash cans, cutting myself in the process, helping clean the casita, lifting beds to vacuum underneath, refilling the soft water container, fixing neglected slow draining pipes, just to name a few.
I did get to sleep in an hour or so on Saturday, my wife was up before me which is rare and she was off to work before I got up. I fetched my coffee and tapped the pad on my laptop and beautiful picture lit up the entire screen. The glistening twelve foot Christmas tree glowed in the dark with ornaments sparkling above the presents below. It was a picture of our old tree that we’ve had for over ten years. There are some dead lights that I can’t get to work to save my life, but one couldn’t tell, the way I have the tree turned, and the working lights shining brightly to make up for the ones that served proudly as long as they could. The packages that aren’t wrapped perfectly don’t look like it in that picture.
It’s amazing how with all the imperfections it all points to the perfect gift of our Father and Savior. The lights a reminder of His light, our gifts a reminder of His eternal gift of salvation. The caption my wife wrote along with the email that she had opened on my screen said, “Merry Christmas…thank you for such a beautiful home…I love you.”
Yeah, that’s what Christmas is about, my wife’s thoughtful gift reminded me of that. I sent her an email back, “Merry Christmas to you too, girl. Thanks for making it home… I love you too.”
May Our Father bless you and yours as we see His gifts through all of our imperfections this Christmas as we count our many blessings. Merry Christmas to all!
Caleb Suko
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 10:07 am
It always amazes me how often it’s just the little things that are said or written that make such a big difference. I think it’s important to keep that in mind especially during the hustle bustle of this time of year. In the end my family won’t remember the gadgets they got but they will remember kind words of encouragement and and love that were said with a sincere heart!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 9:55 am
Well said, Caleb. It’s the time and fellowship that are the true gifts from our Father. Merry Christmas. Enjoy your gifts!
Kristin
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 2:21 pm
I just love those little things! I love seeing the love between you and your wife, so sweet!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 9:56 am
Thanks, Kristin. I like you have been blessed beyond what I can measure or fathom. Merry Christmas and God bless you and all of yours.
Hazel Moon
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
Thank you for sharing your Christmas story with us here at “Tell Me a Story.
Your lights will shine reminding us of the glory of the Lord shining upon the shepherds. Fear not the Angels told them, this is a day for JOY. I am joyfully baking cookies today getting ready for some treats. Snow balls and some chocolate cookies.
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 9:58 am
It’s peculiar how things taste so much better when they are made from love. Our Father blesses your hands as they bless others. Merry Christmas, Hazel. God bless, sister. And thanks for letting me share it on your site.
Barb Raveling
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
I also love the tree in the early morning. I usually sleep on the couch once during the Christmas season just so I can fall asleep by the light of the Christmas tree. 🙂 Love to hear the stories of your family – have a wonderful Christmas to all of you!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:00 am
It’s supernatural to our senses, isn’t it? So many gifts from God that we tend to take for granted. Bless you and your family, Merry Christmas, Barb.
Rachael
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 6:43 pm
When two become a team…it is a beautiful thing! Marriage should be like that, but unfortunately it isn’t always. I know we have had to work hard to get to that point. It is never going to be perfect, like you said, but with the right perspective and focus blessings abound in the imperfections of our marriages. Enjoy this week Floyd! May you be full of the Christmas spirit as you serve!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:02 am
The gratification comes more and more with time, a design from our Father I think. It is all about perspective and using our free will to see it. Blessing to you and your family along with a very Merry Christmas, Rachael.
Dave Arnold
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 7:42 pm
Merry Christmas to you, my friend. May the lights remind you of His light!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:03 am
Amen, Dave. May all the lights point to our Father and Savior this season and all the days of all the years we’re granted. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!
Audra Krell
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 9:07 pm
The love and respect you and your wife share, is truly inspiring. Merry Christmas to the Samons family. Thank you Floyd, for always pointing us toward Christ.
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:05 am
Thanks so much, Audra. A very Merry Christmas to you and all your boys, well make that hubby and young men… they sure grow up fast don’t they? God bless your family.
Mia
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 1:37 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, now you two have properly stolen my heart!! This Santa is surely a blessed lady. You know how the saying goes that if you treat your wife like a queen, you will be her king. Floyd, I don’t know what I would have done without my husband. He has to stand in for many extra chores that I cannot do anymore. Our sons are both home at the moment and they share in the work that needs to be done.
One thing I am grateful for though is that I am spared the grocery shopping. He is just the love of my life. It makes me even more grateful for the time that you fitted into your busy schedule to accommodate my blog. I am taking a blog break until after New Year and I wish you and the four ladies of your life, a Christmas filled with not just love and peace, but with the glorious Presence of our Lord and King. May you hear the angels singing love songs in your hearts!
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:08 am
Well said, Mia. My how you always find a way for your words to reach deep within my soul. What a blessing we have to be granted the loved ones who we care for and they care for us. Enjoy your gifts from our Father of your loved ones, Mia. Enjoy the time away and rest. I pray our Father’s blessings will rain down on all of you. Merry Christmas!
Lincoln Parks
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 9:19 am
Thanks for sharing another piece of your story Floyd. The work that you have been doing is what the wise men did to get to our Father on that day. They toiled and sweated and I’m sure got some cuts and bruises. But in the end it was for a beautiful act of kindness and love. A love that runs so deep its hard to explain. Such an Amazing family we get to live through vicariously. Thanks!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 10:10 am
It is hard to explain with mere words, isn’t it? Well said, Lincoln. We are blessed to get to do the things we were born for. We bring our Father honor in the tasks set before us with joy. God bless you and your family, Lincoln. Merry Christmas!
child of God
Wednesday, December 25, 2013 @ 9:24 am
Merry Christmas Floyd and family! Praying you have a wonderful, blessed day.
🙂
Floyd
Thursday, December 26, 2013 @ 10:26 am
Thanks so much! I hope you had a wonderful white Christmas in your neck of the woods and a blessed New Year to you and yours!
WorldCorner21
Thursday, December 26, 2013 @ 12:19 pm
Merry Christmas Floyd and family!!!
#greetings friendship
Floyd
Thursday, December 26, 2013 @ 1:41 pm
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you as well, albeit a bit late!
Betty Jo Martin
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 7:30 am
Oh I adore this post Floyd! I just feel the love between you and Diane coming through your words; for each other, and for our Lord. Sorry I’m so late getting around to visit. My son and family came to be with me Christmas day, and I’m still recovering from all the fun and food we shared.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 11:12 am
I’m so glad you got to spend time with your family! That comes first! Thanks, Betty Jo. I’m blessed to be sure!
Lisa notes
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 11:03 am
Aw, what a sweet wife you have, Floyd. Love that you send emails to each other like that. Jeff and I do that too and it always makes me feel good.
“It’s amazing how with all the imperfections it all points to the perfect gift of our Father and Savior.”
Amen. Praying you and yours had a great Christmas celebrating Him. Our extended family Christmas was a little shaky this year, but it’s just another reminder how much we all still need that perfect Gift.
I wonder what the new year will bring!
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 11:35 am
Sometimes the “shaky gatherings” are the ones that bring the best memories! At least a laugh with enough time behind them! We did have a wonderful Christmas, Lisa. Thanks, I hope yours was well and I’m praying for a wonderful new year for you and your entire family! God bless, sister.
Betty Draper
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 1:54 pm
Thanks for sharing this gem with us brother. Knowing some of your life from your honest post gives hope to those going through rough times. How blessed those girls of yours are as they watch Dad love on their Mom. People who study kids say they learn how to love by how Mom and Dad love each other. I believe that to be true and all who view your love for each other watch that truth in action.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 2:20 pm
We’re far from perfect and I spent many years chasing after rainbows and missing out on the best God had to offer, but I’m coming around, Betty. Hopefully soon enough for the kids to catch it. We all have rough times, but we sit in the palm of our Father’s hand and our faith and determination in knowing that will carry us into peaceful bliss. Thanks, Betty. God bless, sister. I’m praying for you and yours.
Dan Black
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 7:49 pm
My son just turned two years old and know for the next several Christmas’s I’ll have to have many sleepless nights putting together his new toys. But I know it will be worth it. I hope you had a fun and blessed Christmas, Floyd!
Floyd
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 9:20 am
Enjoy every second, Dan. It certainly does go by in a blink… We had a great Christmas, I know you did too hanging with your loved ones. That is what I call “scoring”! Thanks, Dan.
Dan Black
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 8:45 pm
Oh, I am:)
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:42 am
I know you are, Dan. You are wise beyond your years, my friend.
Joanne Norton
Thursday, January 2, 2014 @ 2:54 pm
You just made me grin. I never would have known we were both “Grinches”… and I am EVERY year [and make people laugh] and then also am a angel-oriented person with my other story of “Innkeeper’s Daughter”. What a Christmas “treat” that I get to do for others and in my heart for myself. Glad your Christmas time with your dear ones was a blessing.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:07 pm
You are multi-talented! I’m just good at being a grinch naturally! Your heart has been used to bless more souls than you could ever imagine… glad it blesses your soul to give, Joanne. You’re an example for all of us.
Nancy
Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 3:54 pm
Randy always tells me that he got the box, but that I make it a home. I think we are a good team! You are your beloved wife certainly are!
I really had to rethink Christmas this year. My daughter had emergency gall bladder surgery with complications the week before Christmas, Prior to that, my son went down hard ( he suffers from Glomerulonephritis). Both needed attention. I was running back and forth. Then Christmas Eve, Randy and I spend most of the day at Kaiser. He had been having back pain and nerve issues in his fingers and hand on and off. But after a heavy work task, all symptoms broke loose so he could barely function. Since then, we have found that he has ruptures disks at c-6 and 7. (For the past many weeks he has been in excruciating pain and lucky to get two hours of sleep during the night.)
Two family members arrived the Friday before Christmas. One had to return the Monday before Christmas, Others arrived later. Soooo… I was back and forth to the airport many times. We still hosted Christmas here, and God was faithful. There were no outside lights this year as I barely got a tree up a week prior to Christmas. But everything ( and then some) DID get done. I really had to check in with GOD and ask , “What should I do now?” or “should I go ahead and try to do this thing or that thing?” As long as I listened to His direction, Peace was my guide. I have had to sit aside certain things for a time, including blog reading and writing. I’ve been practicing “Immersion in the Word”. It is always my go-to, but am stepping things up – bathing my mind – feeding my spirit. I need My Father’s perspective not mine. I need HIS direction, not what I think needs to be done. Like yours, my Christmas was a little “shakey”, but I am so thankful for the Rock of my Salvation! Thanks so much for sharing yourself, Floyd!
Floyd
Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 6:00 pm
I can’t tell you how much your words speak to my heart, Nancy. With all that has been thrown at you, you have the presence of mind and spirit to seek the will of our Father first. I don’t mind sharing with you that you’re farther down the road than me, sister, but I’m learning and you’re helping. I’m praying for you and all your family. May God bless you in all the ways you desire and pray, sister.