“Live in the present,
Do all the things
that need to be done.
Do all the good
you can each day.
The future will unfold.”

— Peace Pilgrim

For the first time, the Family Promise Christmas tree was actually up and completely decorated before Thanksgiving! We opened the storage shed and there it was staring at us from its box. What can I say? There was only one thing to do. On Wednesday, November 21, our house was full, with kids home from school and parents home with a day off work. We all joined in — kids giggled and parents strung popcorn — and before we knew it, the holidays were upon us.

I listened and watched as two little boys held hands and sang, “O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,” and danced ’round and ’round. Moms baked cookies and dads read stories on Friday, while the rest of the world was participating in that consumer craziness called, “Black Friday.” At Family Promise of Gallatin Valley there were no long lines, just the happiness of a day off work and being together as families. It was nice.

We have had a full house for so long now that sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the pressing needs of daily life at Family Promise. But just when things seem overwhelming, a wonderful day comes along that totally restores us. Kids and holidays always do that for me. That look of wonder on a child’s face, the joy of participating in something bigger than ourselves, all makes it so worthwhile.

We are working on getting our families adopted for Christmas and helping them have a good holiday, even though they are in a homeless program. With everyone’s help, I have a feeling this Christmas will be the best one yet!

— Gloria Edwards