‘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.
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