Six Days Before Christmas

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Phillipians 1:3 (NIV)

My Daddy-O’s birthday was six days before Christmas. Every year we celebrated the same way, which was his way. We had the same food (his favorite: Mama’s homemade spaghetti), gave the same kind of gift (his favorite: plaid pajamas), and maintained the same tradition (his favorite: putting up the Christmas tree). And every year, he would always tell Mama “that was the best spaghetti I’ve ever had in my life!” and every year my Mama would glow from his words, as if she were hearing them for the first time. He would declare with excitement that the plaid pajamas were “just what I always wanted” as he danced around the room, showing off as we all laughed out loud. And when we finished decorating the tree, his eyes would sparkle as he proclaimed that it was “the most beautiful Christmas tree I’ve ever seen in my life!” His childlike wonder and ability to make a big deal out of the little things made every occasion, especially birthdays, special.

My Daddy-O passed away when I was 23 years old. Yet even now, I can close my eyes and see him…vividly…dancing around the room in those plaid pajamas ready for a plate piled full of Mama’s spaghetti. I love to remember him. I love to thank God for him.

So…who are YOU remembering right now?

Yes, that one. Thank God for him. Yes, that one. Thank God for her. Or maybe many faces came to mind. Thank God for each one.

Then, if you have the opportunity, stop by his house and tell him. Pick up the phone and call her. Or, write a note of thanks to all of them, even if you live under the same roof, in the same town, or a thousand miles apart.

And on this day, six days before Christmas, while I am dancing around the room, in my pj’s with a belly full of spaghetti, I will be thanking my God for you. XOXO