Unwrapping The Gift

Today we are going to Christmas Eve mass at our church, and then will head over to my in-laws for a family gathering.  My husband's family is rather large, so it'll be a fun time with lots of uncles, aunts and cousins (and their babies!).  I'm so looking forward to it. 

I wanted to slip out for a moment though, to sit quietly by myself, before moving into the busyness of the day.  

Last night, while I was wrapping the last bit of our Christmas presents, I thought of what happened at a local grocery store the other day: 

After finishing up our late lunch at the store's upstairs cafe, our two-year-old was willing to walk down two flights of stairs on his own.  Daddy held his right hand tight, not willing to let go of it no matter what.  Together they slowly started walking down the stairs one step at a time. 

A few people quickly rushed down the stairs.  The dad and son pair didn't seem to care how fast others were passing by them.  They were taking steps with a great focus and that was the only thing mattered at the moment.  Holding hand in hand, going down one step at a time.  

Then all of a sudden, the boy missed a step.  

I gasped.   

Daddy held on the boy's hand tight and he was hanging in the air just by his arm. 

And something unexpected happened.  The boy giggled.  He giggled with delight, his life hanging by a thread and yet fully savoring the thrill of the adventure.  Does he know If daddy let go of his hand, he would fall down the stairs all the way to the bottom?

The boy finally regained his balance and resumed walking down the stairs again, very slowly.

The boy knew his dad loves him and was not going to let go of his hand.  He knew as long as daddy was with him, he was safe and there was nothing to be afraid of.  He trust his dad and in his unconditional love.  

Trust.

This makes me wonder, if I have this much of trust in my heavenly Father.  Do I trust Him or am I afraid of falling down the stairs?

When the boy went down the stairs gripping his hand tightly on his dad's, his wasn't focusing on his fear, but on the given task. 

How often do I focus on my fear, the fear of unknown, the fear of failing or making mistakes, instead of trusting Him guiding my way?  

I want to be like my toddler son, to be able to choose joy even when life takes unexpected turns.  His heart light and filled with hope, the boy doesn't get scared or disappointed when he misses a step.  His unwavering trust in his daddy makes him brave.  I too want become who I fully am in the light of love. 

Love came down to us at Christmas.

Today on Christmas Eve, I unwrap the gift of love.  I unwrap this great gift and know that I am loved, and you are too. 
 
No matter where you live, where you are in life, what faith you may or may not have, may you find the light of hope shining through the darkness of night.  May you find the slow, quiet moments to unwrap the gift of love.   

Merry Christmas, friends.