More Christmas Gratefully List

It's a bittersweet moment writing a blog about Christmas while on hiatus in BOP custody. This is the first time in thirty years I've been separated from my loved ones. It was the first Thanksgiving away from home this last November and now Christmas. The gloriously extravagant meal fashioned from the ever popular canned green beans, cranberry sauce, corn, mixed vegetables, and stove top stuffing, often past expiration date but edible, some turkey loaf or ham and a Cornish game hen was served at the main line. Considering the usual portion of mediocre fare served at chow, it was quite a generous meal for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm not starving and for this grace, much thanksgiving, I concede.

I force myself a moment of quiet reflection, and certainly, the bitterness that consumes my thoughts is poison and must be conquered. This sounds trivial to the freeman. This Christmas, I take a step to vanquish the bitter; the cause for Christmas is divine and I observe the origin of my hope. Christmas is a celebration of salvation, commercialism aside, the freeman and slave should recognize the savior was born.

I have much to give thanks for this Christmas. The top of my list is the baby Jesus and my salvation that grew up around his perfect life. Who doesn't love an extravagant present or two under the tree? I surely do, but no tree at the BOP. At first, sorrowful contempt flooded my over-taxed emotions, but by the grace of God, a wave of guilt enveloped my heart and soul. A quiet reserve of gratefulness sprang forth. This is my Christmas Gratefully List:

- The birth of Christ is uppermost in my mind

- A blessed life, though hardship befalls all, I share the journey with a brave a courageous woman

- I became acquainted with a strength of faith I previously did not realize

- Oh, the patience I have learned

- With a happy heart I wage a determined battle against my lesser angels, and in particular one named Beelzebub

- A deeper understanding and trust in my walk of faith

- A growth in wisdom I did not expect

- Acceptance of the hardship as an opportunity to grow

- An unexpected peace that fills my soul

- A willingness to embrace my spiritual gifts

- Surrender my ambition and accept His will

- Faith that this hardship will perfect His glory in my life

- To my surprise, I have happiness still.

Merry Christmas