Today is All Saints’ Day. Tomorrow is All Souls’ Day. Tomorrow also marks two months since my father passed away. I will probably spend the day as I’ve done the last two months. I will miss my dad and I will mourn his passing.
I will also spend it celebrating life, a new life. My daughter finally announced to the world (well, the world of Facebook…) that the Ruffner clan is gaining a new addition, a baby GIRL, due April 2016! Heartbreak turns to joy, weeping turns to rejoicing, endings lead to new beginnings.
This won’t be my first Christmas here in southern California, but it will be my first in my own place with my own tree and decorations. I’m so excited about decorating for the holidays. I’m excited about having friends and family over to celebrate this season. It will be different without my dad. I do miss him, but I choose to celebrate this great cycle of life. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
I heard this song today and thought it worth sharing. I know there will be cries of “We haven’t had Thanksgiving yet!” But I hate to relegate Advent to just four Sundays. For me, every day, until Christ returns, is Advent. I wait, I prepare. E’en so Lord, come quickly.
All Things Elda 