What a great day! Howard took me shopping to pick out my own Christmas presents! In true Christmas fashion, I got what I wanted (pajamas), and a surprise as well (a sharp new coat!). The festive stores and beautiful merchandise were so spirit lifting, with friendly clerks and many wishes of "Merry Christmas" given.
Acknowleging his patience to me, I didn't mind stopping at the store of his choice--a farm supply store. Instead of being dull and utilitarian, it was warm and cheering, the rustic atmosphere being brightened by prominent displays of foodstuffs dominating the entrance.
Sparkling jars of canned peaches, spiced or vanilla, took our eyes; gift jars of pickles, jellies and preserves glowed emerald, amethyst and ruby in their rows, and colorful shelves of Arkansas-canned vegetables stood in modest array. Why didn't I think of giving food as gifts? Nothing would have been more perfect!
Candies, Christmas treats, nuts by the gallon and other goodies tempted us, but I was content with picking up chocolate Santa morsels for the littlest among us. My husband's real interest was at the back of the store, where he perused the bags of poultry feed, chicken coop kits ("Environmental Solutions," complete with sloped, treaded walkway entrance). Who knew? The bales of fragrant prairie hay reminded me of the Christmas manger, the reason for the season.
No trip to this town would be complete without a stop at the close-out retail chain store where we stocked up on paper products, baking mixes and a few irrresistible dainties. We were really filling time before we took in a movie I had been wanting to see. (This seemed to be my day!)
Lincoln turned out to be a great movie, in my estimation. The main character was portrayed as humble, unassuming and with a homespun wit that was entertaining and endearing. The fascinating, period background, though drab by today's standards, lent authenticity to the momentous, historic happenings that would change society then and in the future.
A scene near the end of the movie, after the Civil War had ended and the 13th Amendment had been passed, showed President Lincoln and his wife, Mary, riding in a carriage in a relaxed moment. They were talking of travel plans, Lincoln voicing his heartfelt desire to visit Israel and experience for himself the land of the Bible. His untimely death kept that from happening, but it revealed the heart of one of our greatest presidents.
The stars sparkled brightly in a brittle December sky, and we were thoughtful on the ride home, prayerful for our country and thankful for the season of warmth, family and God's goodness in the midst of uncertain times. It will soon be Christmas.
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