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December 29, 2004
Gold, Frankincense and Myrr
Well, I'm officially back from Texas. What a great trip it was for me! I got to spend some quality "tia time" with my niece. She is such a joy. And I think I worry way too much about her. I know she has two very able parents and doting relatives and friends, but I can't help but want some kind of insurance that she will live to a ripe old age and get a college degree and not get aids and be responsible about sex and drugs and never get in a car with strangers. I'm at a point where I'm really wishing we can go ahead and get on with it as far as the second niec-ew is concerned. We'll be used to this whole next generation thing once two are around.
Christmas this year seemed particularly spectacular. I had such a great time with my massive family (It was mom's Christmas this year so we were in Houston for the annual Christmas Eve event complete with Cherries Jubilee and a White Elephant extravaganza.) With every passing moment, I watched in awe and humility as my cup continued to runneth over...without bursting from the weight of such gifts. We have a new baby, everyone is healthy and not only loves each other, but also loves each others' company despite some very diverse opinions on a variety of topics, and we can afford to spend a small fortune on presents without worrying about how we are going to feed our children or pay for their education. For the completely mercenary, I received so many wonderful presents; a sewing machine, a sushi set, a slightly worn flash for my Canon Rebel G, a much-coveted mosaic lazy Susan, Soaps and sweet smelly trinkets, and a raindrop oil lamp with an elephant and palm tree scene in the middle. The lamp is a smaller, slightly updated version of the Grecian raindrop oil lamp which still sits in my Grandma Lupe's house. You know the kind; a naked lady sits in a cage of wire. When you turn on the lamp the oil comes down the wires in droplets. It is possibly the cheesiest piece of decor in my Grandmother's house (and that is saying alot.) But it's magic to a growing-up girl, soothing to a woman who sometimes misses her Grandma. I gave some great gifts too. An Ipod for Lita Rita, a great poker set for my brother (It's first use was during the first ever Christmas Day Poker Tournament in which 16 of my family members participated,) Ove-Gloves for my BIL and tamales for a few people. My house this Christmas was full of Gold and Frankincense. And then there was Myrr...
I'm sure by now everyone who reads this is familiar with the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The last time I checked the death toll was over 155,000. Tourists and locals alike were swept away with no warning whilst I was most likely sleeping off a satiated belly and dreaming about the big "Lenox sale" at the mall.
It's an awesome thought to ponder how I got to be so lucky. I'm American so I have a certain amount of freedom and opportunity. This is a doubly awesome fortune when coupled with the fact I am female. I'm educated. I have family. I have a future. I can pay my bills while living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. And this year my Christmas was fantastic...while others fought for their lives.
In the end, I've come to realize that perhaps I can do without the after Christmas sales this year. Do I really need to sock away a Christmas tree because it was half off? Do I need this year's latest boot style, or coat or...whatever crap I would end up spending my money on this post-holiday season. The truth is. I really, really don't. What I do need is to be grateful and to be a part of this world. Even the part that isn't so lucky. So instead of checking out Macy's, or Bloomie's, or Sak's Fifth, I'm going to check out Lutheran World Relief and Doctors Without Borders and try to do a little something to help my fellow human. I've researched both of these charities and they have received excellent ratings from charity watchdog groups. (The Lutheran World Relief organization only spends 2 cents of every dollar for administrative costs.)I can even donate through JustGive.org, an organization which promises to keep my name and information off annoying mailing lists. I think it's the thing to do.
Posted by mermu at December 29, 2004 01:12 AM
Comments
Very well written, Sister. We do have a great family...and it just keeps getting better with each new addition.
We did have a very Merry Christmas. I hope and pray that our blessings and joys will continue thoughour the New Year.
Love you lots!
Posted by: Sister at January 4, 2005 12:33 AM
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