The Time Proved Rich

Since going to seminary, Kyle and I look forward, very much, to Christmas. We enjoy Christmas like everyone else, for all the common reasons, but since moving, we especially enjoy it now because we know it's a time (and sometimes the only time during the year) when we are going to get to see our family members and friends. This year, we really hit the nail on the head. We saw just about everyone we could see in Kansas. And for that, we're grateful (and I'm proud!).

For some reason, though, this Christmas, when we were bouncing around from one place to the next, every time we had to leave, I felt a sudden, quick wave of extreme sadness. And as soon as it swept over me, it was gone. Then, that sadness was replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction. That satisfaction brought me great joy in the end.

Now, let me explain all of that, because the more that I've reflected over all of it, the more I've been extremely grateful to God for all of the blessings he's put in our lives.While I was sad to leave so many of our family members, I'm glad that I experienced that sadness. It made me realize how blessed we are. I've realized that good, deep, kind relationships leave us with a deep and rich sense of satisfaction even when we do have to go. Our time with our family was good. And even when we had to leave, we left feeling even more grateful, even more satisfied with time that we were given together. The time proved rich.

Living so far away has helped me to experience hospitality to the fullest. When we leave one place, we're always welcomed, with open arms at another. This is a blessing in life, and I realize that many others do not have this same blessing. Perhaps these are the types of relationships that God longs for us to have with others, especially our families -- deep, appreciative relationships where we value, in a rich way, time, conversation, and laughter. Where we welcome one another with open arms, at all times, and value, deeply, the time that we have together.

It was a Merry Christmas for us indeed! 

The Komlofske Sibling Clan

The Just Crew