My daughter does indeed show her happy face!

If there is anything we can learn from our children, it is that perspective makes a world of difference. Isn’t it amazing how different a given situation can appear between observing it from the outside and actually experiencing it? This concept has taken on a new level of application in our household with the adoption of our youngest child’s “Happy Face”.

This representation of jubilation is quite accurately portrayed in the picture above, but it typically comes only after a prompting of, “Where is your Happy Face?” Interestingly enough, the perspective of which I speak is well suited to this very expression of joy. You see, as a two year old, she has not yet come to grips with the fact that simply announcing her happiness or pasting a smile on her face does not convince mom and dad that she is indeed happy.
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As expected, my life during the Christmas season has been extraordinarily hectic, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Family and friends bring laughs and joy to my life that I cannot fully express in words. I have always enjoyed Christmas and what it means, and while growing up, there was never a lack of family or friends stopping by to celebrate with us in some way. Whether it was having an open house for our church family to stop by or spending a weekend with family in the mountains of North Carolina, Christmas time has always held a special place in my heart.

With that being said, it is little wonder that I didn’t take the time to do much development work or even post to my blog, as much as I enjoy doing both. Over the past several years, it has been amazing to see how priorities have changed, and this season shows that more than any other. Having the opportunity to give to my family, not only the physical gifts I purchased for them, but also the additional time and the opportunity to take some time off work: those are the things that will last a lifetime.

So, I can say without regret that, while I am anxious to get back to some of my projects, I’m not at all sorry for not being online more, but now that the season is drawing to a close, I hope to be able to get back into the swing of things. I hope each and every one of you had a very Merry Christmas and that you have a wonderful New Year’s Day this week as well!