Merry Christmas

This month (and honestly this year) has been a hard one for me. And I've been struggling with it not really feeling like Christmas. For once this was the year it's supposed to feel more like Christmas, right? After all, this is my first Christmas as a Christian.

But I was feeling alone, and stressed out, and all around just depressed.

Well, it finally hit tonight.

After work I got home then went to the 6:30 service, and got to go with some of the people from my small group. And the service was nice, Pastor John wrote a cute children's story going over the animals role in the nativity. But afterwards, even with being with people that I know care, something still felt a little off. I ran into Jenny after service, and since her family wasn't doing anything we went out for dinner. Ended up at Carrow's as it was the only place open. We run into some ladies from church there, and we change our table request so we could all sit together. It was starting to feel a little more Christmasy. We all ate and talked, and we spanned three generations at that table, and there weren't any pauses in the conversation. We all learned a little bit about the other and it was a good dinner. After dinner Jenny and I hung out and talked until she had to go to greet at the 11pm service. I decided to go. Ended up stepping in for the other greeter, so here I am, handing out candles and welcoming people into the church. Things are feeling a little more Christmasy. Midway through the greeting bit one of the Sarah's that I knew at the JC walks in with her mom and her sister. Immediately it's hugs and "OMG how long have you been coming here!?"

Beyond all the wonderful people that I have met and become friends with so far, running into an old friend that I've lost touch with reinforced to me that this is where I need to be. I'm getting more comfortable, finding more connections, feeling the love all around.

The service itself was absolutely beautiful. I am so SO glad I went, it was just what I needed.

It's definitely Christmas. And this Christmas is definitely a special one.

So Merry Christmas, and to all my loved ones that have been with me and helped me deal with everything that's been going on, Thank You for being part of my life, and thank you for your love and friendship.

I love you all.

*^_^*