Traveling through South America this last year taught me several things. One of the more fun ones that I've come to recognize was the ability to not impulse buy or spend money for the numerous gifts, memorabilia, trinkets, or art that I wanted to bring home with us. I had only one main backpack and shared a normal size, everyday backpack with Jen. That was our butter bag - for the most part. I would have most likely fought to the death if anyone were to try and take it from us. BOOM! Look out boys - this ain't yours! :) hahaha..... no... who knows though right?! Come 'ere you little....! hahaha....
Anyway, we each had one main backpack for all our things for 1 year. Wow - that was tough at first when packing and deciding on what to bring. After our arrival we definitely had to have some limits or at least execute very wisely when purchasing anything. Was a good lesson. Funny thing was though - given a few months, I thought I had packed way to much and began leaving some clothing behind in places. I mean I honestly switched between 1 pair of pants, 2 shorts and a few shirts. Then I had a light Columbia jacket. No one ever knew if I had worn the same outfit the day before, or two, or past three days... no just jokin', but seriously - I had no idea before traveling how much use you could truly get out of a certain pair of shorts or pants (as long as you didn't spill something on them - which I'm prone to do. Just ask my wife). I mean - right there's a false assumption we're raised with in this society. Oop - you wore it today for 4 hours - throw it in the laundry - it's dirty! Sheeeesh.... yeah right! Now I really know how it is. Jenny and I have cut back our cost on detergent and dryer sheets by 40 percent already in the few months we've been back. Definitely puts some more cushion in other categories of the budget. HA! I just made that up - but it sounded great didn't it??!
So, where was I? Oh yeah:
Well when Christmas came around I was wondering what in the heck am I going to do with gifts for my bunner? I gotta get my bunner something and wow are there so many things I want to get her down here. I had to think and yet again exercise the creative side in me that keeps this beat goin'. What came to mind for entertaining mi amor since she's one of those intelligent and quick witted individuals was something that wouldn't take up any space, but yet be a fun gift. I figured I had to make it take some time for the gift reception process to last a tad bit longer. My little bunner loves puzzles and figuring things out - very good at formulas, solutions, and patience. Hmmm... sounds like she'd be a good science teacher - oh wait, maybe that's why! :)
I decided on making her a word scramble that would fit easily inside her bag and cause no extra weight. I was wondering in the coming days before Christmas what it is that I might put together for the phrase, thought, or sentence of the scramble. I was also wanting to hit home in myself what the reason of the season and meaning of Christmas was really all about and also share it with her. After all, I give it all to Him for providing the opportunity to travel with my wife for our first year of marriage as well as the protection and guidance we were shown. My belief deepened each month as we made it through injury free, healthy, and clear of danger. I constantly looked to Him through our travels. In His honor, I wanted to know more about Christmas, the true meaning, and try to grasp it. I've always known it was Jesus's birthday and what not, but never really thought much more about it. Then the scramble came to me and with solving it she'd discover the real meaning of Christmas. Awhile back I had been shown a verse in the bible that puts it into perspective. Now being the creative dreamer that I am - I definitely decided to read in between the lines and really feel what it may have been like when what the verse talks about happens. It must have been absolutely terrifying yet wonderful! I read it and just imagined what I would have done or how I would have responded and what my composure would have been. I can't wait to find out. How would you have reacted:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 8-12
Merry Christmas all,
Dbl A - ron
