A Peaceful, Thankful Heart

I knew Christmas was going to be hard.
I knew once we finally arrived in Kentucky, unpacked our suitcases and car full of presents -- the emotions were sure to unload on my already heavy-laden heart.
Christmas without our baby girl...
How was I going to breathe?

A snippet from my devotional on Christmas Eve read: Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful.
I clung to that as we drove to my parents' house for a Christmas Eve breakfast.
The second we walked through the door, my sister announced, "You're not going to believe this..."
She held out her hand, and there was a ladybug crawling carefree over her knuckles.
I gasped in amazement and awe.
Pop Pop found it among the presents under the tree that morning.
Aubrey held out her hand, and the little red and black insect gladly transported over.

It was a precious present that felt Heaven-sent just for me.
God's sweet, tender gift that whispered, "I know what it's like to not have your child home at Christmas..."

Jesus spent that first Christmas in a stable.
My Shisi spent her first Christmas in an orphanage.

Both pretty hopeless beginnings, but what a perfect plan God had in store.

And with that realization -- peace ruled in my heart, and I was thankful.