A little dove...

Christmas is a season of joyous celebration of our Savior's birth with family and friends. It is a season of joyful gatherings and hospitality. I love to decorate my home, to make it warm and inviting and I especially like to pull out my Christmas decorations each December. The tree is my favorite part - it fills my home not only with the wonderful scent of pine, but with a sense of anticipation and wonder.

This year my kids decorated the tree by themselves, and did a beautiful job! Little one was so excited and hung so many ornaments on one limb, they started to fall off. She patiently picked up the fallen ornaments and carefully put them back on until they all stayed. (I have to admit that I did fix this after they went to bed. I just couldn't stand to have 5 gold ornaments on one limb.)

my decorating crew

There is one ornament, though, that I hung by myself in the post-bedtime quiet. I needed to be alone when I put it on the tree. It has always been accompanied by many tears. 

This silver dove is a reminder of the tiny life we lost in 2007 - a precious baby gone before our arms ever got to hold her. The dove has long been a symbol of peace, but to me, it only stood for our loss and my grief.

This year was different. There were fewer tears shed as I hung it on the tree (near the top so I can see it). I was even able to smile a bit as I thought about celebrating Christmas in Heaven...

This year, I was able to have peace in my heart when that little dove was on the tree.

This year, I can look at it and smile in the reassurance that I will meet this little one my heart misses.

This year, I can remember, not with the pain of regret, but knowing "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for..."


This year, I can claim that his grace IS sufficient. I lived it, I know it.

It is well with my soul.