Today I went in search of a Christmas gift for my son. He just turned 27, never asks for anything and doesn’t need much to be happy. I went to my favorite downtown area and strolled through the shops. Found items that came close, but not quite right. Went into one shop that looked like a friendly, eclectic place. A glance at the price tags had me shaking my head in bewilderment. They were really proud of their stuff!

Then I stepped into my kind of shop. Everything antique, or handmade, and not overpriced. Just things that someone once loved and was ready to pass on to the next person to enjoy. I pondered if there was something I could tell him. Something he could look at and be encouraged, since I’m not there anymore.

Then, I saw this sign. It’s exactly what I would want him to know everyday as he heads out the door to work. I didn’t notice until I got home, but they even placed it in an old Randall’s grocery bag, which is where he worked for several years.

As I was leaving the shop, I spotted a bowl of Christmas ornaments on a table near the door. One in particular caught my eye. If you are familiar with my post back in June, “Little Bit of Everything“, you’ll know why. Yes…it’s an ornament that looks like a miniature Disco Ball!

Hanging a Disco Ball from my old oak tree was one of the most freeing things I ever did. Who actually does that? Keith Urban and me. My daughter and I were enjoying the flashes of light coming through the window from it just last week. We laughed and talked about that song, and the day we hung it in the tree. It’s been through some seasons, but it still hangs right where we put it and shines it’s glamorous light whenever the sun hits it.

That’s a lot like us. We go through seasons, and weather the storms. There was many a day I had to visualize God as my Strong Tower, giving me shelter from a storm. The storm would last a couple of hours, or a few days, but God is faithful. He pulled me through every one, and I was stronger and better than before. When I stepped out into the light, I was able to shine brightly just like that Disco Ball.

I picked up the ornament and walked back to the counter to pay for it. The lady knew I had completed my purchase, but found this on my way out. She said, “You can have it. I’m going to give it to you.” I was stunned, and told her, “Thank you.” I wonder if she will ever know how much that little ornament means to me. This Christmas, I have one to hang on the tree inside the house. God is good.