Birthdays and Beginnings

Today is my 18th birthday. I have officially entered adulthood-the stage I shall remain in till I die. Having a birthday so close to Christmas proves great in December and a bit sad in June-which I think would be the ideal month for a birthday. I have learned though that I can make twice as long of a Christmas list-that is until this year. 2004 has proven to have a lot of new beginnings in it. My dad lost his job and found a new one. My mom went to school, got a job, quit, and got another job. My brother started at Harrison. And I started my final year of highschool. Quite the happenings around here. Due to numerous factors, we just aren’t able to have the big Christmas I know my parents want to provide for us. But it has given me lots of things to think about. One thing is just how life is about relationships, not things. It’s the people around you that make life great-not the stuff in your closet. As I think of going away to college, the thought of leaving my friends is so sad to me..I can leave my room, my things..but leaving my friends is a whole harder thing. Another I have learned is how we are all in the same boat. Just when I think I am the only one struggling with something, God brings a friend along to comfort and encourage me. Kelly, Angela, and Chelsie-you guys are the best! Thanks for being there through all this..and for sharing with me.. I think though one of the biggest things I have realized is how amazing my God is. He gave up heaven. A place I can’t even imagine..to come to earth and be poor..he didn’t have a home or any earthly belongings..but he was motivated by love. Love for me. That is a thought I can’t get my mind around. I can be sad because we don’t have a Christmas tree or because I will have fewer presents to unwrap..but I have something to open, and I have a roof over my head and an overabundance as it is. Take some time this season to think about Christ and what He gave up. Can you sacrifice something little for Him?

Just a thought..

Amanda