My youngest dears,

We are anticipating Christmas every moment. You look at me directly in the eyes and ask me ‘how much times‘ until we see Julia. This season, you are excited and hopeful about the arrival of your big sister home from college.

The similarities between your anticipation of Julia and the anticipation of the Christ child are not lost on me. It is my prayer that your heart recognizes this feeling of hope for years to come.

There was a time, with your older siblings, when I worked outside of the home. Medical bills, cars that wouldn’t stay running, and student loans created a mountain that I never thought we would ascend.

Slowly, we reached the summit. Your daddy and I looked at each other and were so relieved that the mountain of bills was behind us. We trudged forward in submissive obedience for so long, that our daily routine became an assumption. We had once hoped for me to stay at home with little ones, but we had peace in His plan and assumed that this was not His plan for our marriage. But something amazing happened.

We descended back down into the valley to bring home your brother with the red and golden hair. This time, we had the privilege of making one change. I was able to stay at home with him.

And now, as he is at school, you light up my mornings with joy, reminding me what this season is about – long awaited days of praying and working with my hands and heart, waiting for a child to come.