I spent the weekend in Nashville for the holiday. Beautiful city. Wonderful times. We loved exploring the Christmas decorations at the Opryland Hotel. I loved watching the kids’ faces light up as they found each set of lights to be new and exciting. Their eyes sparkled with excitement.
We joined the shopping festivities the next two days before heading home. I’m sure I enjoyed that more than them. Although they were very well behaved and tolerant of my determination.
Late Saturday night we drove through a downpour of rain to make it home. Which extended our drive at least 90 minutes. But we made it home safely and I was thankful. The 3 year old had a little extra sass on the drive home but like the rest of us, she was tired. And over it. She told me so.
For the last 20 minutes of the drive as the kids rode quietly in the back, I couldn’t help but think about the memories we made together over the weekend. I hope good memories for them. I know they were for me.
And then my mind wandered a little. To my childhood and some of the memories I cherish.
My grandma used to take us shopping at the five and dime store in town. She would pull change out of her small clip bag inside her purse to spend. Whatever was there was what it was. I never remember there being more than a few dollars to share between the three of us girls. She called it her mad money. I can’t even begin to list for you the junk (treasures) we found at the five and dime store. Every time we went we were equally excited as the last. Honestly it was probably the same stuff each time. What I do remember and cherish most was the time we spent getting ready, piling in the backseat, quietly riding while grandpa drove, and anxiously watching as grandma pulled out her change to count in the parking lot before we went in.
Memories money can’t buy.
I remember my love for the holiday season. It’s always been my favorite time of year. Surely not because of the gifts. We had nothing materialistic worthy of envy. but we had the best cinnamon rolls, homemade hot cocoa (packets were too expensive), and the story of Jesus birth. Every Christmas Eve.
Memories money can’t buy.
Once my grandpa shared with me that Jesus didn’t give him a life of wealth on purpose and that he was thankful for it. I, of course, asked why. To which he explained that if Jesus had given him a life of wealth he wouldn’t have found him to be his personal savior. That it was out of desperation to provide for his family he found Jesus. As a child I couldn’t understand how much more wealth he would need since I perceived he was already wealthy. As an adult I understand deeply what he meant. His time on earth is done. He is in his eternal home. With his savior. The only home that really matters. I am thankful for the wisdom, guidance, and love he poured into us.
Memories money can’t buy.
As I contemplated a little more about my weekend I thought about what is important in life. We race around to buy the perfect gifts. Many gifts. Toys. Clothes. Shoes. Electronics. The list feels endless. It’s stressful. Did I get it all. Will they like the gifts. Am I buying enough. It’s less than others are buying. Will what I’m buying set the stage for the perfect day together? The one I envision in my head and long for in my heart.
The struggle is real this time of year. At least it is for me. Am I getting enough. Or too much. Do I really remember the gifts we bought at the five and dime. No I don’t. Do I remember how much we spent each time. No I don’t. What is it that I remember and cherish. It was the excitement of time together. Special time. Filled with love.
I remember the memory we made that money couldn’t buy.
This holiday season, in the flurry of activity, I want to encourage you to slow down enough that you make memories money can’t buy. Make them with the ones around you that you love and cherish most. Realize the greatest gift of all was the baby in a manger who changed the world forever. He is the reason we celebrate. His love is unfailing. He brings joy, peace, comfort, and blessings for each of us as gifts all year long. Our blessings aren’t found in the things around us rather they are found in those around us we share this life journey with. Find a way to share the love and hope of Christ with family and friends you may only see this time of year. Your testimony might be the best gift you’ll ever give as it may just be what saves someone’s life. Carry with you the gift of his love. It’s the only gift you need.
Bobbie
