Hi Friends,

I have not been feeling very Christmas-y? I haven’t been reading any advent devotional with regularity — only a few here and there. I haven’t been listening to enough Christmas music either. One trip to the mall left me feeling kind of sad. The convenience of modern life with Amazon delivering whatever, whenever has pretty much ruined the mall. Golly it was fun to shop and dream about getting and giving gifts. Movies too are just not what they were before the “upgrade” of streaming. I guess I’ve been wishing for the days of old in some ways.

But I have had such a wonderful day! This morning I went to a ladies Christmas brunch for church. I love multigenerational gatherings. I met a woman who was in my sorority and graduated from my same college — except she graduated 40 years before me. I also held a friend’s new baby for at least half an hour. These sweet moments are not marred by technology. They are the same yesterday, today and forever. Just like Jesus. I also wore a $20 sequined shirt I bought at TJ Maxx. I got so many compliments on my festive shirt and partook in so much yummy food. Such a wonderful Christmas-y morning.

When I got home, I read a text from my best friend from 6th grade. It made me laugh till my face hurt. She was making me aware that I had accidentally reposted her cousin’s “story,” which had something to do with her firstborn buying a car. Now I don’t really know this person — certainly never met the son — and I of course have no idea how I reposted this. I neither watch nor understand stories. My only other “story” was also an accident — it was a parmesan chicken recipe a couple years ago. But can you imagine what she thought when she saw I had reposted hers? Do you think she’s going to pursue some kind of social media restraining order? I don’t know when I have a had a better laugh.

Clearly, my views on the mall and my propensity for inexplicable social media faux pas suggest, at heart, I’m more 82 than 52. But I will tell you that a fun Christmas gathering and a laugh-till-you-cry interaction with your friend of forty years are sure paths to festive vibes.

Proverbs says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,  and one who waters will himself be watered.” (11:26 ESV). Today, my soul was watered by celebrating with friends, holding a precious newborn, meeting a lovely older woman and cracking up with an old friend. Hopefully tomorrow I can be a blessing to or “water” someone else.

Blessings,

Kristie