It was a difficult, tiring week. We’re making arrangements for children for an overnight visit to the hospital next week. We’re facing sinful hearts and sinful tongues. We’re practicing truth-telling, humility, helpfulness, and respect.

And I’m battling selfishness and despondence by counting a thousand (or more) gifts with Ann.

11. The kids’ joy at the first snow of the season.

12. Snowflakes soft on coats, hats, dog’s fur, and grasses.

13. A day without the alarm clock’s persistent beeping.

14. Waking instead to the sounds of children cooperating to build a fort of blankets and pillows.

15. A dog racing with joyous abandon after young snow-sledders.

16. Kind words from a cashier at the end of an exhausting week.

17. Quick action by department store staff to find the wandering toddler.

18. The smile on the face of the young man who received the first communication device fully-funded by the memorial fund in Ellie’s name. I will treasure the look on his face and the joy of his parents for the rest of my life.

19. Baking cookies together

20. Christmas music

21. A night together at our town’s Christmas festival

22. The toddler’s reckless loving on the sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens at the petting zoo

23. The bare-naked honesty of David in the Psalms

24. The prayers of friends and family

25. An evening snuggled on the couch with my husband

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