secret smiles.

being back home in williamsburg creates a whirlwind of emotions. right now? i am extremely thankful and joyful to be here...in this moment...

williamsburg, for all of its tourist-induced-glamor because of its rich history, really is timeless. outside of the streets of colonial williamsburg, there are certain things that never change. there is an amazing amount of comfort in that realization. comfort in consistency.

like the man who works at our local grocery store and has remained a faithful employee for as long as i can remember...always ready to give a smile or crack a joke...and ever-eager to serve.

or slipping back into old relationships...drinking coffee from the local cafe and walking around downtown late at night while completely absorbed in fantastic conversation, looking at old-fashioned christmas decorations and taking in the tiny street fires designed to keep us warm.

or my dad working his crossword puzzle on a sunday afternoon while watching old black and white movies.

or ridiculous humor and uncontrollable laughter in public places as best my mom, brother and i can manage. creating an entertaining scene is never a problem for us. i hope it never is...

or laying next to the christmas tree and remembering the significance of each ornament. second-grade art projects. sunday school gifts-for-mom.

i was afraid that the christmas season would pass me by again this year...but as i look over the past few weeks, and especially these past few days at home, i see that the christmas season can't possibly pass me by as long as i take a moment to stop and see the ways He is working in my life.

perhaps that's what the christmas season is about...being aware of everything around us. maybe to realize our blessings and be grateful for His presence. to think about everything that He means...and, coming to earth as a tiny babe, He really just wanted to love us....for us to love Him, to love others...and to give praise to Him for His birth...to thank Him for loving us enough to be with us. o come, immanuel...

my one last request this christmas season? to sing my favorite hymn tonight in church...

o holy night, the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of our dear Saviour's birth
long lay the world in sin and error pining
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
a thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
fall on your knees! oh hear the angel voices!
oh night divine! oh night when Christ was born!