A Christmas Miracle...

Things are tough right now in our neck of the woods. I don't think our situation is all that unusual, considering the financial state of our country, however, Granty recieving a pay cut of $30,000 a year has put a MAJOR dent in our pocketbook. I've always, ALWAYS looked forward to the holidays. The smells in the air; the delicious treats; the lights; the stories...basically everything about this time of year, I LOVE. It's a magical time of year.

This year...the magic has fizzled out. Not being able to provide Christmas for my kids has weighed on me and I just haven't been able to be positive about anything. We've been paying our tithing, paying our fast offerings, fulfilling our callings for months and months now, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I'm ashamed to admit it, but my faith has waivered a bit and I've been wondering, where did my Heavenly Father go? Why doesn't he help us?

I was talking to my mom last night and told her, "I keep waiting for that envelope of money that everyone talks about. The one that you get as a surprise because you've been paying your tithes and offerings, but nothing has come yet." I was being facetious of course, but half honest.

Today I checked the mail. An envelope addressed to the Sutton Family arrived and inside it was some money, with a note that said, "Have Yourselves a Very Merry Christmas". No signature was attached, leaving me wondering, who loved our family THAT much. I've been left humbled and speechless. I told my oldest son, "I need to know who did this so I can thank them." he replied saying, "Why? They didn't want you to know. Just let it be our Christmas Miracle."

Whoever you are, thank you. Thank you for giving me the means to provide Christmas for my kids, for helping to restore my faith, and for being so charitable and Christ-like. I may never know who you are, but my family and I will never forget the magic you have brought back to our Christmas. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

SIDE NOTE: Umm...just few hours after I posted this, our refrigerator went out. We've been scrambling to get food into coolers and into our freezer downstairs. I should be grateful Granty has a job, we have a house, we have clothes, we have food, but DAMNIT, I wanted that money for Christmas! Oh well, Merry Christmas Sutton Family...it's a fridge!! *sob*

SIDE SIDE NOTE: After having the repair guy come look at said fridge, it turns out everything is still under warranty which means...YAY! Christmas is back on! Hee hee hee! All in all, I am grateful for my parents, my good cousin Dawn, and all my extended family who have kept us in their prayers. No matter how this Christmas ends up, it will always be one I will remember. It's been an awesome Christmas Miracle!!