made it home. spent about an hour on the runway, an hour and a half in the air, and an hour and a half in the van to get here, but i made it. it’s amazing that for my parents to drive to the airport in Baltimore, it takes as long as it takes for me to fly from Indiana. that is, it would be that way if the plane didn’t have “computer problems” and if we didn’t have to de-ice the wings.

it’s good to be home. I’m so thankful that I have such a great family. they may be overwhelming to some, but they are my favorite people in the world. there’s just something about being home with my family that fills the cracks – the things I’m missing. those missing bits are vague – I don’t have specific names for them. some of them resemble things like unconditional love, affirmation no matter what… there isn’t a soul in the world who loves me more than my mother does. =) and I would rather sit at my father’s feet as he plays the guitar than be anywhere else in the world. and good or bad, who knows me better than my sisters?

I was thinking tonight during the Christmas Eve church service instead of listening to the “meditation” – I know, I know… if I was taking Christmas seriously, I would be listening intently to the preacher… blah blah blah. I know what Christmas is about – and in my life, it’s been reflected in my family. selfless love? my parents sacrificed so many things to make my life as amazing as it’s been. Christ coming to earth? my family has shown me so clearly what it means to live for Christ, to strive to be Christlike, to appreciate the gift of salvation. so I thought about my family while the preacher was preaching something about peace.

I’m so grateful! that’s what Christmas is to me. being thankful. and being expectant. I’ve been given so much… and “of those whom much is given, much is required.” Christmas reminds me to be on the lookout, and to be willing to be used.