Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Holiday Wardrobe

Thanksgiving is a hinge holiday.  It's a cornerstone.  Round the fourth Thursday in November, and you're in the homestretch to the end of the year.

My city pulled out its holiday wardrobe while I was gone for Thanksgiving.  Carols sang through the airport, and as we drove home, the boys played their own frantic version of  "I Spy With My Little Eye: Christmas Lights!"

I rode home in a state of numbness, in disbelief over the truth that Christmas is upon me.  I wondered how much of my neighborhood would sparkle and twinkle.  Robb would have turned our lights on days ago, and he would have 'scrooged' everyone who hadn't lit up yet.  He would hate to see our home dark for the holidays, but I just can't bring myself to do anything about it.

"I imagine I can put a wreath on the door.  This I can do," I thought to myself.

We drove up our street, and the boys shrieked with the ultimate 'I Spy.' 

"Our house!  There are lights on our house!"

Sure enough, white icicle lights laced the front of the house.  The pillars of the porch are striped like a candy cane.  Christmas came to our house, too.

I looked at my mom.  "Who did this?  What is this?"

Her face was soft, her eyes glistening.  "Your Tuesdays. They came over with their husbands, and they hung your lights.  They borrowed the lights Robb always hung on our house.  They couldn't let you come home to a dark house."

It is perfect.  Just enough.
I didn't even know I wanted any decorations.  
I cried in my driveway.

Christmas is coming here too.

20 comments:

karebear said...

I'm crying with you...how beautiful...sometimes what are heart needs the most, is what we think scares us the most. May the Lord carry you close in this Christmas season and give you much hope, peace and strenght! karen

The Proverbial Mama said...

Oh I am reading this and just sobbing. You have some amazing friends. We should all be like them.

The Proverbial Mama said...

I am sitting in my living room just sobbing as I read this. You have amazing friends. We should all be like them.

everythingismeowsome said...

What amazing friends!

Melody said...

Well crap. Now I'm crying at work. You got me again.

Jaimie Teekell said...

And I'm crying too. Beautiful! :D

Unknown said...

I am so happy that you have such wonderful friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter this season. I'm praying that God brings you through the Christmas season with new memories, along with the cherished ones you already have.

mercygraceword said...

and again you make me cry. So thankful for your gift.
Deborah

Amy said...

tears for you! Prayers for you! Joy for you!

Renia Flaishans said...

Your friends are amazing!
You needed those lights :)

Michelle said...

I too am crying. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family but what wonderful friends you have!

Ruthie said...

Wow. That is so beautiful. What a testimony to the beautiful community of Jesus. I am so thankful the Lord has blessed you with your Tuesdays. This just brings tears to my face. I am praying for you and your boys as the time draws near.

Noel said...

Oh, I love your Tuesdays.

K.P. said...

That is beautiful!! They were Robb's ambassadors and the hands and feet of Jesus to your family! I love it!

lis said...

Oh. wow.

Claire said...

What a beautiful reminder of how Christ came (and comes) to us even when we don't realize we need Him. Blessings, Tricia, as you walk with Him this month.

Kerri said...

Just like Christ. Bidden or unbidden, He is present. Our present. So blessed.

GINA. said...

Yup. I join the others. I'm crying. Those "Tuesdays"!! All I can say is WOW!! That's such an incredible gift they have given you this year. I'm sure they inspire us all. I'll be praying for you and your boys over this Christmas season!

Laura said...

so beautiful! I hope I can be like your Tuesdays to the people around me! What a gift from our Father your friends are to you! He even takes care of things you don't expect, or know you need! So happy for you and your sweet boys... Thank you for another glimpse into your journey!

Penny said...

I cried reading this, too. How precious are your friends!