Yesterday was the day we celebrated Christmas as a family, at least in terms of a gift exchange. Christmas without the exhuberance and anticipation of young children certainly has a different flavor. I am so thankful for the presence of my nieces and nephew, ages 2 to 6.

They are so precious. I love being greeted with a big hug first thing in the morning. Children seem to grow out of this if we let them. Let's don't let them!


Seeing the world through a child's eyes always seems more exciting. Opening presents, playing games, baking cookies, it doesn't matter what, they put their whole self into it, and enjoy life. Somewhere along the way, we teach them through our own actions, to water down their enthusiasm. I don't know why we do this, being more "mature" certainly doesn't mean being more fun.

I certainly enjoyed watching these little ones open their gifts. The only problem is that you usually know immediately whether or not your gift was a "hit." My two year old niece received twin babies, a boy and a girl. Parents aren't supposed to play favorites, but she hasn't "grown up" yet. She has had the baby she calls "Blue" in her tender grasp, since she opened him. Once she laid him down, forgot where, and walked through the cabin, calling "Where Blue? Where Blue? Where Blue?" Fortunately, he was found, and her smile was most rewarding.

This year as wrapping paper was shredded in the wake of diligent anticipation, the gifts that meant the most (to me) as others unwrapped them, were framed pictures of Beej. Several family members gave and received them. Each told a story. Words were never necessary.

As Joshua sat awaiting his turn, his "momma" was opening a present. When the paper was cleared, and the box set aside, one such framed picture was revealed. Amid the exclamations of others, Josh, sitting nearby, said in a quiet and humble voice, "I wish I had a picture of BJ, of my own."

What a special relationship they shared. One of the pictures opened this year (at least twice) was of Beej and Joshua holding and admiring our two week old kittens. That picture alone takes you on a journey that is warm and friendly as Beej and his room served as "father and hospital" to this litter.

Earlier in the day, Josh had been standing in front of my (work) laptop. He was admiring the backgroud. It was a picture of Beej, who is backed up into a hollow tree, feet first, shoes spilled in front of him, with only his shoulders, arms and head exposed. The impish grin on his face, beckons.

In that moment, the screen changed to red, and yellow words began to scroll across. "Will you answer the call, and get uncomfortable for Christ? - BJ Higgins"

What happened next I was not prepared for. Joshua exclaimed to his "momma," "BJ is sending us a message!" In that moment, he was so excited for what he thought was happening. Her telling him the truth was an ugly reality... at least for me.

He walked away, perhaps a little more "grown up," certainly disappointed, but he left me a most wonderful gift!

In the truest sense of the occurrence, he was right. The message sent is clear. Will I? Will you? Joshua already has.

dad


(turns out, my cousin Lyn took the picture in the last update)