Finding Wholeness Beyond the Amazon Window

But here lies the irony:

this notion that everything will fall apart without those gifts is rooted in a misunderstanding of what truly matters. Life isn’t contingent upon a beautifully wrapped present under the tree or a flawless Christmas celebration. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We are already full because we have Jesus, who offers us the kind of love and grace that can fill any void.

The struggle with addiction has taught me that the real gift we can provide our children is not found in material things, but in the presence of love, understanding, and faith. As I reflect on my feelings of inadequacy, I realize that my obsession with the Amazon window is just a distraction—a silly notion that life will not be okay unless I can meet certain expectations. In reality, we are rich in love and support, even when the circumstances seem bleak.

As we approach Christmas, I want to shift my focus from what I can’t provide to what we already have. Yes, the Amazon window may have closed, but our hearts are still open to the joy that comes from recognizing the blessings around us. We are not defined by our struggles; instead, we are defined by the love that endures through them.