I often hear the Rodgers and Hammerstein song My Favorite Things around this time of year. Not sure why it’s included with Christmas songs, but it is. So with that in mind, here are a few of Joe’s favorite things, from my perspective and in no particular order. Since I can’t confirm these with Joe, we’ll have to depend on my observations over the years.
sunrises,
sunsets,
meeting and serving the homeless,
playing guitar, and improving those skills,
writing poetry and music,
tacos,
apple pie,
bacon,
really any yummy food,
hiking,
world travel,
leading worship music—especially with youth,
family road trips,
The Screwtape Letters, and other works by C.S. Lewis or G.K. Chesterton,
hanging with his sisters,
thinking,
gray, cloudy days (like the other introverts in his family),
saying “I’m down” when he agreed to participate in something,
teaching (guitar, drums, kajukenbo),
giving generous and thoughtful gifts
This is our first Christmas at home without Joe; it is different and it is poignant. He is greatly missed, but we are at peace, knowing he is safely Home. I wonder what new favorite things he has discovered…
Praising God for faith; for knowing without seeing and being blessed in it. Joe is singing and dancing before the Lord and you will be reunited with him. So grateful that the knowledge of this comforts you in your loss.
Merry Christmas to you and to your family, both in heaven and on this earthly plane.