Memories and remembering have become a theme this season. I didn't really set it on purpose it just sort of happened.
"What is one of your fondest Christmas memories?" she asked.
Friends shared of opening presents with flashlights because the electricity had gone out, and helping mom wrap presents. When it was my turn I already knew what I would share. It's the only Christmas I really remember the specifics. I remember Christmas traditions and spending time with family. My Czech grandmother making kolaches and tons of cousins. But specific gifts or things of that nature don't stick out to me, well, except this one.
You see, I wanted a trampoline. It was the only item on my list and I wanted it BAD! I was sure I would get it. My second story bedroom looked out over the yard and I watched and waited...sure that someone would be putting my gift together in the dark hours of night. The moon lit the backyard clearly and as I peered outside...nothing...nothing was happening. In the end my need for sleep won out and off to bed I crawled.
I woke up first that morning and ran to the window...still nothing. My hopes remained high and so my brother and I tiptoed down the stairs. There waiting for us on the fireplace were stockings fat with goodies and toys for my brother. Santa left me a doll. Now I know most girls would be happy to get a doll, but I'm not most girls. I wanted...a trampoline. Still, I put a smile on or at least tried anyway and wondered if a trampoline could fit in any of those boxes under the tree. Each present I unwrapped brought a little more disappointment.
Yes, I sound like a spoiled brat. Honestly it wasn't that I was pouting because I did not get what I wanted. I just never considered the possibility of being let down. After all this was Christmas and miracles happen!
There I sat on the green carpet surrounded by gifts I had opened trying to process it. I remember thinking, "ok, no trampoline was built over night in the backyard, no trampoline from Santa, no trampoline from my parents. Time to give up...there's no hope left."
Just as I was letting go of the hope my mom hands me this small box. I looked at her and she says, "I almost forgot this one. It was lost in the back." I opened the small...like too small for a trampoline to fit in it...box. There in the tissue was a card. The card revealed what I had hoped for and lost hope about..."your trampoline is in Dad's truck down at the neighbor's house."
I don't remember much after that except that we went as quickly as we could to the neighbors. My dad and I put the gift together piece by piece. I remember how strong the springs were as we stretched the dark mat. This was no regular round trampoline like I envisioned. It was top grade, gymnastics quality. In fact I've never seen one like it again in a backyard. Man, could you fly. I spent lots of hours jumping, flipping and flying. In the summers we would wet it down and add a little soap or move it to the edge of the lake and jump in the murky water. In the winters I would bundle up and go. I read books on it, studied on it, built friendships on it. I sat under it when feeling low, had picnic lunches on it in the cool of spring. This gift I hoped for and given up hope on always reminded me of something...it still does.
To you it may seem a tad silly, but to me it is a reminder of faith. Hebrews defines faith as "being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." I was a little girl sure of the very thing I hoped for...even certain of it. Right when it seemed all hope was lost, at the moment I was giving up...the gift came.
My faith has grown up after all these years. It is not about trampolines or anything material for that matter. What I am sure of and certain of, though I do not see it, is the coming of the Savior. Hoping in Him never lets me down. This is Hope that never leaves me disappointed. He is the over the top gift that never fails.
Tonight we journey to the celebration. We'll sing songs, light candles and journey to the manger. Rejoice...for unto us a Child is born!
Looking for a place to celebrate? Come join us at one of our two services. Gather the kids and kin and meet us at First United Methodist Church. We celebrate at 5:00 and again at 7:00. In between you can journey to see the babe born this very night at our live nativity.
