Blessing upon Blessing

Rays of light blazing into my still closed eyelids and I turn away from it, reluctant to bid dawn good morning. This morning is still, the wind has ceased to sing it's melody.

The deep, steady breaths of my Pastor husband are the only music that reach my ears. I take them in, thankful. Joyful. Humbled. There were many days, years ago that I wandered laying in a dark room alone, who could ever love one like me. Doubt filled heart defined by what I'd done wrong. Blessings come to those who do right, yes?

"Maggie.....I like you." he had said one summer evening.

Surprise on my face. I tried to keep it cool. "I like you too" was all I could say.

"Maggie....I don't have to look anywhere else. God has led me to you." - the echoes of a humid Fall afternoon.

Stunned. Really? You must not really know me very well.

"Maggie...I love you." - the sound echoed in my head over and over by November.

All I wanted to do was run and hide, but love bid me stay. Years later, hearts bare, uncovered, naked. He loves me still. He chose me. Still stunned I give thanks.

Husband's breath is interrupted by little feet coming closer. They hesitate just for an instant but the excitement that has gripped this boy child cannot let slumber stop him.

"Mama, it's Christmas!"

I force those lids to open and I see the picture of joy. Smile stretching wide, happiness making dimples in the round cheeks, hands just wanting to grab onto this joy that has surprised him this morning.

There it is! My personal picture of joy. I smile, heart happy. "It's not Christmas honey, it snowed. God gave us a gift - snow."

"Mama, it's pretty", he embraces the gift that's fallen from above. I embrace the gift of giggles together at dawn with my son and we offer thanks for blessing upon blessing.