Christmas Time is here

It's been a great week.
I did some shopping, watched my boys play basketball, decorated my house, cranked up the Christmas music & filled the yard with twinkling lights.
I had some good conversations with my kids.
Yup...it's been a good week.
And now, 18 days until Christmas.
But more importantly, 15 days until my grown kids & their families start arriving.
And yes...we are more than a little excited.
Soon this house will be bursting at the seams with laughter & food & Guitar Hero sessions & food & love & umm...food.
However, it's looking like we may not all be able to be home at the same time this year. This will be a first and I am not liking it.
I love that my kids are growing & grown and following after the Lord in the endeavors of their lives. But I will be keenly aware of the absence of my second born daughter and her husband this year. Indeed, there will be many empty  places...in the kitchen, at the drums, around the game table, at the other end of a snowball...
"Dislike".
Yes Christmas time is here. And it will be great.
With a touch of bittersweet.
Merry Christmas.