Christmas, log cabins and nature — the perfect combination for an amazing holiday, especially for one that brings people closer together. My week in Gatlingburg, Tennessee for the Christmas holiday was anything but ordinary.
The trip did not consist of just my family, but a family from my church who have nine siblings, ten if you count me as the son they never had. The average bed time for us older kids was about 4 in the morning. The nights were filled with 8-ball, old cartoon shows like Transformers and listening to music really loudly!
But the trip was more than just fun and games. Something happened that awakened me spiritually. On Christmas Eve, I sat on the deck watching and listening to nature. Hours passed, and I am in awe of how nature grows through out the night; I was compelled to pray. I must have prayed for hours, for when I opened my eyes, the sun was waking up the sky.
The colours, the orange, yellow, purple, and blue hues of the dawn captivated me. Right then and there, I was filled with God’s mercy and glory. The birds woke with songs of praise and the squirrels danced around the trees with such grace that reflects the goodness of the Lord.
When everyone woke up from their sleep, I told them of my experience and all nodded and moaned in response, due to the grogginess of the morning. After we all opened up our presents, everyone took a Christmas afternoon nap, but I was drawn to glorify my Creator.
I sung praises to my God and King all day. That day meant a lot to me. For one, I was struggling with my faith, but God in His mercy and love, drew me back into His loving arms.
I now have more appreciation for nature and the creatures God has placed upon this earth, and am currently supporting a lot of campaigns that protect the creation. I was a changed man. All in 24 hours.
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