Today is a quiet sort of day, aside from the throbbing head and the aching muscles in my neck and shoulders. I think that I shouldn't be too surprised at my body requiring a day off since we have been traveling and visiting for six months with hardly a break. The kicker was Nate crawling into our bed sometime early this morning after having a scary dream. Not sure what that is all about, but he just settled in the middle of the bed and was content to have his legs in the middle of my back. That is probably what the sore muscles are about.
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
