Focus on the Family President Jim Daly with his wife, Jean, and their sons, Trent and Troy. Jim Daly is the president of Focus on the Family and host of the Focus on the Family broadcast. His column is available at JimDalyBlog.com.
Daly Focus: A Time for Reminiscing
THIS CHRISTMAS WILL LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT in the Daly household. Our youngest son graduated from high school earlier this year, marking an important rite of passage on the road to adulthood. The days of toy trains and skateboards under the tree are past—at least for now and until, Lord willing, grandchildren come along.
While both of our boys are still here in town and Jean and I aren’t full-fledged “empty nesters,” we’re keenly aware that we have entered a new era in our family. The bright-eyed, childlike excitement of Christmas morning has been replaced by an air of maturity and decorum. Of course, we’ll still find joy in celebrating the birth of Christ and spending time together. But we might also talk about current events or car repairs or budgeting. Trent and Troy will always be our boys, but with each passing year, my role increasingly shifts from protector and provider to coach and mentor. That’s a good thing, but also bittersweet!
The holidays are a time for reminiscing. We love to recall Christmases past—the stories, the traditions, the times with grandparents and extended family. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. But I also want to live in the moment. After all, this year’s Christmas morning will be next year’s Christmas past, another chance for thankfulness and reflection.
That idea has been beautifully captured in this year’s painting from Morgan Weistling, “Family Traditions,” and in the fictional story on page 28. As you read, I hope it evokes memories of your own family’s holiday traditions—and it inspires you to continue creating new memories, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
As you gather again this year to celebrate the birth of our Savior and embrace your family’s Christmas traditions, hold your loved ones close. Savor each moment with them. And with each gift you exchange, may you be reminded that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
Jim Daly
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