Like Scrooge

The past year has been one of the most melancholy years of my life. Forever gone are two of my precious family that have always been an important part of my life. Memories of years past spring up within the wellspring of my heart, like Scrooge, my thoughts fly from one experience to another and I remember the good times I shared with my brother and my sweet cousin. No ghost of Christmas past need guide me, there are few regrets and no need for repentance of wrongful deeds. Their presence was always a good influence in my life and they showed me kindness and love that I did not necessarily deserve. Brothers like Mike have a way of forgiving and burying any differences along the trail. Cousins like Betty Joyce left nothing to be buried,  her heart was beyond gold, she was the essence of sweetness and purity.
I certainly have regrets for things I did not do during their lives, but God knows my heart and His Word has guided me to do all that I could do. Until now the daily grind has forced me to put aside my sorrow and grief, but as this season of love and forgiveness approaches, I now must mourn those whom I loved so dearly. Christmas's past warm my heart as I remember the joy of childhood family gatherings.
And like Dicken's Scrooge, I awake to the realization that Christmas is reborn in each new generation. As Tiny Tim reminded Scrooge of all that is good about the season, my precious grandchildren have awakened the joys that have always made it so special. The wonder of Christmas in the eyes of a child is the most precious gift for any parent or grandparent to receive. Thank you Jesus for the eternal gift you have bestowed on us all so that we may see the wonder in our children's eyes. Though many of our loved ones will no longer share those joys with us, may we cherish the shared memory of times past.  Thank you Charles Dickens for reminding us that we can choose joy over sorrow.

"God Bless us everyone"