We gathered on Christmas eve at my in-laws and after the year we had endured the joy of simply being together could be felt by all. This was the first year that Jake read the Christmas story from the bible. The pure voice of a 10 year old magically awakened my heart and I closed my eyes and really listened to the words he spoke. I was misty eyed and filled with pride when he finished reading. I did not want Grant to feel left out so I asked him if he wanted to say a little prayer. I have to give you a little background...
My mother-in-law bought Grant a toy yellow horse when he was a little baby. He loved the horse so much. He spent hours pressing the top and scooting across the floor as it galloped ever so slowly. We had a backup horse in case the first one broke and soon daily horse racing was a regular event. Because Grant had so many medical issues and delays when he was a baby, it was truly a gift to see him light up with excitement over his "yeyow horsie". The horses stayed at the beach and as years went by he forgot about them as other toys took their place. Whenever he would watch and old video and see the horse he would play it over an over as if he was visiting an old friend. When Uncle Brad came from the beach for Christmas he brought the horses for him. The reunion was quite a sight. As Grant bowed his head to pray he got right to the point as he said, "Heavenly father, thank you for this day and our blessings. Thank you to Uncle Brad for bringing me my yellow horse. Amen." We were all in stitches that something so simple could make such an impact on this little boy. As we got up to open the rest of our gifts...Grant objected, "No guys, everyone has to pray." He went around the room pointing to each one of us and even suggesting how each of us should start our prayers. Everyone in that room is a Christian, but it took a precious little boy to remind us what truly mattered.
Jake was so excited about the gifts that he received and went out of his way to thank his grandparents...even for the clothes. Later that night, I asked Grant about his favorite gift and without hesitation he said the yellow horse. He got some sweet gifts...race car track, remote control train, books...but nothing came close to the feeling that he had when he pushed the head of the horse and watched it slowly clip clop across the floor. He taught me that we don't need the latest gadgets, newest toys, or most expensive gifts. Sometimes it is the simple things that touch our spirit and make us feel loved. I needed my sons to remind me what Christmas means to me. I know that we all celebrate differently and do not want to offend anyone. I simply pray that you had a peaceful holiday and that you took time to reflect on what really matters to you and your family.
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| Wisdom from Jake |
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| Joy from Grant |
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