Tuesday, December 25, 2007

My Christmas Wish

My highest wish for all of my kids (including those who were born outside our biological family) is that they remember who they are collectively and learn who they are individually - that they think for themselves - that they be happy with who they are but be willing to let go of who they don't want to be (even if they never accomplish that fully in this life) - that they come to know their Father and His Son - that they come to understand "the grace that so fully He proffers" them - that they see repentance not as a burden of guilt but rather as an exciting process of growth and completion and discovery - that they become truly peculiar treasures, together and alone - that they find that certain someone without whom they will never be perfect (complete and whole) - and that, with that certain someone, they carve out lives that will satisfy and challenge and reward and fulfill and complete.

My wish is that this madhouse we call Hotel DeGraw will be able to accommodate boarders eternally, even if in both the here and now and the hereafter that simply means a moment here and there as we watch our children establish homes (and perhaps hotels) of their own. If I see this wish fulfilled, I will live and die and live again happily - even if nothing else I desire comes to pass. If they can be as happy as I am, living as half of an eternal whole, I will praise God eternally for the love He has allowed me to experience and the joy He has given me.

6 comments:

Mama D said...

Through my tears all I can say is: Ditto. You say it so much better and so much more succinctly than I could.

Indeed, we have been blessed. My wish is for this life together with our children to continue! (I don't mean to continue unchanging, because of course it will change as the kids grow and leave, but for the love and the enjoyment of each other/life to continue forever -- that would make me happy.)

Louann and Bari said...

With you and Mamma at the helm, I see nothing but success for all of your family and assorted members. Merry Christmas.

gordonfan said...

Amen my friend, Amen

ANTSYLLI said...

I am sure all your wishes will come true. You and Mama are amazing examples. I can see your children doing exactly the same thing...opening their homes, hearts and lives to others, sharing of their immense talents and giving freely of their time and energy to all around them.

Stephen said...

May you have your wish.

Papa D said...

Stephen, I don't know if you will read this, but . . .

Coming from you, that means the world to me. I have not had a chance to tell you just how inspirational your blog is, so I will do so now.

May you see the same blessings in the hereafter.