Stories. How we love stories. Growing up, Mom read to us every night. Narnia, Little House, Anne of Green Gables, Where the Red Fern Grows, the list could go on and on. Stories are how we make sense of life, how we find our place. Now as a Mom, I hear at least once a day, “Mommy, please tell me a story” or “Please read me a story!”

Why do we love stories, books, movies? What is it about stories? We long to be part of something more. A great story draws us in, compels us to enter, invites us to get swept away. Christmas is that story. We celebrate the birthday of the One who turned the world upside down. A little baby, born in a barn, wrapped in rags, whose bed was a feeding trough. The One whose story would make all things new. Hope was born. The Story that has no beginning or end. When my house is still and quiet, I think of my story. Look back. Things are clear in the past, I understand why this or that happened. Not all things but a good number. When I look forward, it is blurry. I don’t know how this chapter will end. But I do know how my story will end because I know the story of Jesus. He lived a perfect life, died on a cross, rose again, returned to his home in heaven, and is preparing a new place for me. My story is part of his. He created me, called me to himself. He knows my steps, each day of my life. He knows how many hairs fall to the floor each day. He holds my tears. He made the precious, little girl growing inside me. He wrote my story. I love this story. Yes, it is painful for me. I would not have chosen this. I cry often. Speak unkindly to my children. Get really angry. Feel anxious about what the day may bring. But I know the Author of Life. I have read His story, know his love, see his hand, feel his grace. My story is safe inside of His.

I got my hair cut today. Seems that its starting to leave my head. Derek loves it and the girls want to know why I don’t have long hair like them. Rem took a second look at me, it was quite funny. I am going in for my second round of chemo on Thursday. It is nice that I know more what to expect. The oncology department is amazing; full of kind, caring nurses. I am so grateful for the care that I receive, God’s gift. We have been the recipients of the most amazing love and care from people here in Chattanooga to all around the country. I get so many encouraging letters each week, thank you for your kind words. Each week we have received delicious meals from people in our church; thank you so much. We have been overwhelmed by the kind, gracious monetary support of so many in Florida and beyond. Only God could write this story, bring all of these people and gifts together. Not chance. It is so good to be part of something more.