Over Already?

"It seems as though I just woke up and Christmas is over." "It's like we start getting ready for Christmas, and before we know it, it's passed by us." I'm sure you have probably heard these comments before. You may have even said them yourself. I can think back to when I would say the very same things. When I was in school, I longed for Christmas Break. I would make plans to just enjoy all the time that I would have to play with my friends; exchange gifts; break-in the new bike; go hunting with my new BB gun; race slot-cars well into the night. And, all that time seemed to disappear quickly; too quickly, and it's back to school. I've had the same feeling when I would be looking forward to time off from UPS after the Christmas season of delivering. I would save up a few extra days during the year just so I could "rest", and enjoy Christmas with Karen and our children. But, there again, time just slips by, and it's back to work. Why is that? Do we really think that having to go back to school, or work, ends our Christmas? No; it doesn't. Forgetting about Christmas ends our Christmas. When we start thinking about work, school, chores, shopping, returns, bills; we end Christmas. And, as much fun as I have had this Christmas, I don't want to end it. I want to keep reminding myself of all that the Lord has done for me, my family, my friends, and High Rock Community Church. God has truly blessed us this year, even when the enemy thought that he could stop us. God has smiled on HRCC in a mighty way this year. He has given us a gift that we will not want to return, or exchange. He has given us a joy that brings a smile to our faces each time that we think about it. He has given us a Christmas that will be a part of our memories for a long time. He has given to us......and it's not over.

Do we still feel his hug?

The room is so noisy. It is hard to hear yourself think. People are sitting together in groups; families, friends, loved ones; and they are all talking. They are not trying to be loud, but the excitement, coupled with the number of people there, seems to gradually increase the decibel level; and before you know it, it is loud. It is a good loud though. I enjoy looking around and seeing the smiles and the tears, hearing the laughter and some of the conversations, mostly inaudible. Soon I will get to participate in all the noise. Soon I will get to carry on a conversation. I will get the chance to laugh, to smile, and be loud. I can't wait to raise the decibel level a little more. But for now, I just sit and wait......He'll be here in a minute........There he is.......The thoughts and emotions that are racing through my mind..........what do I say?.......what will he say?........can I still make him smile?.......it's been so long...........don't cry.............too late. I have missed this man. It is so good to see him walking toward me. I finally get my chance to hug him. And it is not a pat-pat-pat hug. I hugged Ray as a brother would hug a brother. I held on to him..........it's been a while.........don't cry. Time for smiles and laughter. Time to increase the decibel level. A strange thing happened though. I didn't hear any other conversations. I could see all the people around the room, but I didn't hear them anymore. I heard who I came to hear; and I listened. I listened to all he had to say. I didn't want this time to end. Everything just moved so fast, and then we were headed home. And as I drove home, I could still hear him; I could still see him; I could still feel the hug. When we show up for a service at High Rock, do we increase the decibel level by our participation?.........do we laugh, smile, cry, and hug? When we carry on our conversation with the Lord, do we listen?.........have we heard who we came to hear? When we leave and head home, do we still hear Him?.........do we still feel His hug? I do.