Why is it that I dread the first snow and after it comes, appreciate it as much as I do...
Now that the birch walk is totally protected from the north winds by my completed fence, there is a coziness that reminds me of growing up in the mountains of Vermont. How I loved crawling into a protected cavern created by layers of snow on evergreen branches bending to the ground.
It was a place of natural warmth despite the frigid temperatures beyond its protective boundary. It is a memory of a feeling, a sense of place that has never left me.
Will our Christmas be white... it's difficult to say... it really doesn't matter to me for I have had these few days that have been spectacular amongst the plants in our gardens and I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the wonder of it all.
One of the tests of what a gardener has accomplished, is how well the gardens work in the winter months. The only proper grading system for this test involves the gardener, doing the scoring him or herself. After all, I really don't have to please anyone but myself, but my experience indicates that the real joy of gardening comes through sharing my gardens with others.
The garden has become a palette of memories brought to life in a new place... fragrances, forms, colors, and textures all bring me full circle, carrying me to places in my mind that helped shape who I am, the relationships with people I care about, the fulfillment of the person I want to be. Visitors will come to this place with their own set of circumstances and experiences... some will be touched by what I have done here, others not. The point is that I will have shared something that gives great meaning to my life and I want to share that with others that they may inwardly profit in some way.
So too this season of Christmas. The arrival of the snow helps to transport me into the Christmas season as Sarah and I remain very busy preparing for the things that have special meaning to us. It's not so much the traditions of this special time of year that are first in our hearts... rather, it's the culmination of many hours and months of preparations for an event that shares our hearts with folks we don't even know. As with the gardens I derive great joy from directing, and Sarah accompanying, a large and wonderfully talented family, sharing Christ through words and music. Proceeds from our two performances go to the LESPWA (meaning hope) Missions for Haiti, but equally important, these concerts serve as a witness to the 2400 people who attend. It is an honor to direct young people with a servant attitude who know what their life is about in the context of the true meaning of Christmas and my hope is that we can somehow influence lives with God's help. Again, as with gardening, it is the sharing of what is very special in our lives that brings us the greatest joy at Christmas.
These concerts, along with leading worship at services on December 23rd and Christmas Eve with the help of our little 'orchestra' are the highlights of our Christmas. If I may, I will repeat what I said earlier... "the point is that I will have shared something that gives great meaning to my life and I want to share that with others that they may inwardly profit in some way".
On Christmas day we come together with extended family... we will feel fulfilled for having shared as we could and having given our best. There will likely be no presents of a commercial value that day... they are not needed, for we realize that we have already been given and accepted the greatest gift of all time and that is sufficient to meet any need we may ever have. Later in the week we will spend time with our children and grandchildren and friends... of course there will be gifts for the kids... after all, we are Grandpa and Grandma...
So in closing, I wish you the peace and understanding that comes from knowing what Christmas is all about... the gift of the Son is free for the taking!
Please allow me to share more of this beautiful day in the gardens at Oak Lawn Cheese Factory with the following photos...
Merry Christmas!! Larry and Sarah
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