for these moments

• the birth of our daughter
• the birth of the One and only Son
• adjusting our focus to the miracle of this season
• extra time in church to reflect on the gift
  
• talking about new traditions as
• new, proud, parents
  
• anticipation of the busyness that is to take place in a few short days
• slowing down to enjoy the baking, wrapping, singing
• Christmas caroling and
• hot chocolate in our p.j.'s looking at Christmas lights on a cold Saturday night
• thankfulness-- for everything
• memories of the rock of our family who is
• dancing in front of his savior this Christmas

For these moments, these pauses, the grace of God in the moment, I am so thankful.