Christmas Letter: 2008

‘Tis the season of giving and receiving. Yet we are foolish to believe that this is the only season for such expressions of love and generosity. For Mike and Melissa Harrington this has been a YEAR of gifts received and given. There is much to be thankful for as one sits down to remember the joys and the blessings that have been received in the year Two Thousand Eight.

We have received the gift of relationship.
As husband and wife
As son- and daughter-in-law
As cherished friend
As co-worker

We have received the gift of memories.
A year together; travelling, staying, playing
A spring break tradition of being at the Harrington cabin, enjoying fireplaces, outdoor activities, fellowship and great food
A woman beloved by all, who has left us lessons to learn even after her last breath
A community of friends that challenge, encourage and even entertain us, leaving us with the best sort of memories

We have received the gift of employment.
As paraprofessionals at Elementary Schools
As Pizza Delivery Man
As Independent Let’s Do Tea Consultant

We have received the gift of knowledge.
To live in Financial Peace
To discover and use spiritual gifts
To make new things, from hand-bound journals, to fresh cows cheese, to homemade carrot cake
To teach, to sell, to be and to love; to make time for others and to leave time for ourselves

We have received the gift of Joy.
By teaching children in public school and Sunday school
By having friends over regularly for Settlers of Catan and/or tea
Be being able to freely give of our time, home, talents and money

We have received the gift of great stuff.
A bike rack for the 1st Anniversary
A high-quality camera via monetary gifts for graduation and birthday
A slew of Pampered Chef products via monetary gifts for a birthday

We have received the gift of adventure.
In Couchsurfing, the process of inviting strangers into our home, to eat with them, to explore with them, and to provide a bed for them
In snowshoeing and exploring the winter wonderland of Laramie, Wyoming
In owning a car as a ‘Harrington’

We have received the gift of Peace.
In our finances
In allowing our physical bodies to truly rest with some frequency
In knowing Jesus, whose birth we celebrate and to whom we choose to Thank for all the gifts, those mentioned and those left on our hearts and minds.

May this Holiday Season leave you with surety of the many gifts you have received and the gifts that you have given, especially that of your friendship and love. Trust that you are a gift in our lives no matter the distance whether in miles or years. May you and yours forever enjoy the gifts of this season and the year to come.

Lessons from the Couch: November '08

November found the couch with a little more down time but nonetheless, the Harrington's had two significant visits for the eleventh month of the year.

Tuesday November 4: Matt en route to California

"Today is a very important day to me, the night of the most important election in the history of the world. Every American will remember where they were and what they were doing on this historic evening. I will remember that I was in Laramie, Wyoming with 3 new friends, Mike, Melissa and Mark...I will also remember listening to John McCain make his concession sppech and then listening to Barack Obama accept the nomination as President of this United States. We listened on Radio, so much nicer than television...It is interesting to me that my gracious hosts, being from Wyoming and voting Republican, and myself, environmental activist and door-to-door Obama compaigner, were together for this occassion...It does not matter who is president, it is up to us to make our world how we want it to be. One way to do this is to have good people around, so thanks for the couch but more importantaly thank you for spending this evening with me, I'll never forget it. Always remember, whenever in doubt, 'Yes we Can'."

Tuesday November 4: Mike and Melissa

What We learned:

• Share things, like music - whatever you have.



• We are not the only ones with bad car luck.



• Apples and Peppers make for delicious Pizza toppings!
  

Tuesday November 25: Mandy Litton (Friend of Melissa)

"Thank you so much for blessing me with a place to sleep. I love to see where you are in life and how much you seem to make of each moment...I think your generosity is admirable and something I wish more people showed. Thank you both for making me feel welcome. It's great to see God use people. I wish you both the best..."

Tuesday November 25: Mike and Melissa (mostly Melissa)

What we learned:

• Some friends need no re-introduction, even after 5 years



• You can make someone's day by offering to go out to breakfast while still wearing pajamas



• There is always time for Christmas decorations!



• There is also, always time for knitting!