Wayne Wright writing.  

Know I haven't written in a very long time.  Sorry about that.  My job requires much overtime, and it's often unpredictable.  Sometimes my family and myself are like two ships that pass in the night; I don't see them for days at a time, especially if a lot of surgeries are scheduled.  (I'm the guy who puts people to sleep prior to their surgeries.)

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland.  The snow started yesterday afternoon; we'd been under winter weather advisories, with several inches of snow forecast.   People were told to use extreme caution when traveling: the roads could turn slick and hazardous.

The weather forecasters were right on the money on that one.  Numerous accidents were reported; on the way home from church yesterday, just as the snow was starting, I saw several accidents (nothing major, just fender benders).

I wanted nothing more than to get into the safety of my garage, so I could get into my house.  If I'd tried to use the ramp that I usually use, I would have probably fallen and hurt myself quite badly.  Since I don't have normal feeling from my waist on down, I can get injured, and it could be serious.  (I have spina bifida; I was born with it.)  When I shut that garage door after I'd pulled my van inside, it was a huge answer to prayer!

The Christmas Cantata yesterday at church was absolutely beautiful!  Some people were so touched by the music they were in tears (myself, included); the choirs, drama team, and the musicians all did a fantastic job.  They'd put a lot of time and effort in their practices, and it showed through in their performance.  (They will do it again in two weeks, just before Christmas.  Next week is the children's Christmas production.)

Several of my children participated in the Cantata, either in the choir or as part of the acting (my daughter played a part in the drama; she did a very good job!).  We had to go, to show our support for our talented children!  I am so glad we went; it truly was a magical time, and the spirit of the season was driven home in a mighty, powerful way!

Anyway, when I got up this morning, I was stunned when I looked out the bedroom window.  It looked just like a Christmas postcard.  Snow blanketing the trees, lying on the ground like a thick, soft, white blanket, icicles dangling from the wires and eaves from our house.  Really spectacular.  The roads, however, are a mess: dozens of schools have called off classes or are experiencing delays, and several businesses are, too.  (Mine isn't.  I work at a hospital.  Hospitals don't close.)

I am glad I am off work today.  I can enjoy the beauty of the season from the comfort of my home and laugh as I watch the wife and children frolic around in the snow.  Then afterwards, I can make them hot tea or hot chocolate as we sit by the roaring fire of our fireplace and read the Christmas story, as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  It is going to be a most wonderful day.

This is the type of scenarios that make memories so special. I know my children will probably remember this day for a very long time to come.  It is the type of family togetherness that truly brings Christmas home.  We can count our blessings and praise God for giving us the perfect gift over 2,000 years ago.  If it were not for Him, we would not even have a  Christmas.  And the snow just makes it all the more special.