Yesterday morning our sons began waking up for Christmas day at 4:00 am. We got up at 6:30. After doing Christmas morning here we drove to Houston (130 miles) to do Christmas dinner at my father in law's sister's home. I got pulled over for speeding on the way there. I was polite and respectful to the officer and didn't react or gripe at my wife. The officer let me off with a warning and a merry Christmas.

The dinner was at a very large estate in an upscale gated community. We had a great time even though we are not that close to them. It is interesting to see how we have changed. I was grateful that I didn't have to get stressed out over the drinks I was offered. I was grateful that I didn't have to get irritable over having to monitor 4 small children. I was grateful that the hosts said a prayer before dinner and expressed a great deal of faith. I was grateful that we get to have this experience.

I thought about how I used to behave at these events and what my wife's aunt and uncle must have thought of me then. I would be irritable, restless, and discontent. Today I get to experience tolerance, patience, and serenity in the midst of difficult circumstances. I also noticed that they have become more faith filled possibly as a result of going through life crises of their own. I also got to see my sobriety in contrast to another person's for whom it is a white knuckle struggle.

As we were leaving my father-in-law was waiting to back out and I felt rushed to get out of his way. As I backed up I turned too quickly and backed into a ditch. Our van was stuck and leaning precipitously. We were tired and restless but were stuck there and had to wait for a tow truck. I got embarrassed and uncomfortable. I felt like I was imposing and burdensome. I resolved to allow God to help me and was able to get the through the initial difficulty. we took the actions necessary and the situation was eventually resolved with no apparent damage to the vehicle.

Thanks be to God.