And I’ve ordered all my gifts, mostly delivered to other around the country, and am still waiting on a few to wrap here, but really, it’s almost done. Yesterday, we got our popcorn, and like some of the other gifts I’ve gotten, there was no clue who the sender was. But, I do know. It’s what my sweet next door neighbors always send us every year! And the books, of course, I know came from my darling daughter and her family. I was so lost in one of them, struggling because it is a big book, a history, Great Society, by Amity Shlaes, and it was compelling, well written, detailed, and heavy, with tiny, tiny print on large pages….but I struggled through 300 pages before a friend found a digital copy online, and surprised me with it. So, I finished up in my old trusty faithful kindle. I can usually read a regular book if it’s not too big, but arthritis in the hands, and neck make those big books difficult these days.
Such a good book, though. History we should all know and understand. Those were not evil guys, the ones who wanted to solve the problems of poverty, and most were avowed anti-communists. But their programs were clearly not successful, however well meaning they were. And the book explains gently why and how they failed. Even included the fact that most were themselves disappointed and dismayed at the results. This was the beginning though, of huge growth in government, and government power and programs, NGO’s sucking up taxpayer money and advocating while sounding official, and it’s frustrating today that this system has developed that leaves out the voter entirely. Just sucks up his money and is spent on partisan crap.
Well, political opinions aside, we are about to again celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus. His teaching, His sacrifice, His giving all for us, is the reason for the season. All the love and family gatherings, giving, and celebrating is to acknowledge a loving Father in Heaven, from whom all good things flow. Trees, grass, pets, flowers, ice crystals in the grass in the dark, stars in the night sky, the moon, the sun, the universe, water! All the wonders of nature that we see and largely ignore are gifts from that heavenly Father. Oh, and our lives. We are all his children. And our children, and their children.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all your blessings, and your Son, whose sacrifice means so much.