This is the first year that the Buddy Man has known that Christmas is coming. From the day we went to get the Fraser Fir to the appearance of Grandmommy and Granddaddy, he has marked every occurrence with great anticipation, waiting for the big event: the opening of the presents.

On the one hand, he has done well. We have told him that he could look and not touch and I have yet to catch him shaking any presents to see what’s inside. But on the other, every day he awoke and it was not THE day, we could see the frustration and disappointment building in his little soul. His powers of obedience began to wane. He just wanted it to be Christmas!

I got to thinking about the things that I anticipate in my life. I had a great number of them growing into adulthood (driving, first boyfriend, engagement and marriage, first home, etc.), but now, I don’t find myself looking forward to many things. And when things that I do look forward to don’t happen as I want, if at all, my soul begins to wane as well. I don’t like it.

Anticipation breeds faith; faith adds hope; and with hope, there is love and life. The Buddy will move on from Christmas to the next big event on his 4-year-old calendar. I intend to begin looking forward again to the things in my day-to-day existence with faith, hope, and love.

Merry Christmas! enjoy life…