I think about you a lot this time of year

Among the turkey commercials and the Christmas lights

You’re not here

In another state but I hope you’re alright

My memories are warm

Even on cold days

Remember we’d gather in your old car

Your brothers and sister and as many as could squeeze

After youth ministry

We’d watch the Christmas lights turn on

We watched in wonder as the downtown buildings lit up

Cold air, peppermint mochas in hand

Our eyes were open

For so much we were hoping

Saturday night

All together and alive – it was grand

Now history

There was no car wreck that shattered our teenage dreams

No, just the inevitable passage of time

But even today I hear the magic of the former days beckoning

You know, you’re often on my mind

I pray that where you are you still shine

Like the dazzling buildings at Christmas time

I miss you

Today I walked that strip where we watched the Grand Illumination many years ago

Along the blue water and the tall buildings

Zigzagging

Like the air of time

This place was once thrilling

Nonetheless it still makes me think of you

I pray you’re well

And never let your spark dispel

Let peppermint mochas be your scent

And Christmas lights dazzle your eyes

Of God’s love and goodness don’t forget

Though the bulbs may be faded

We must not become jaded

Don’t let your wonder die

Carry on in celebration

Ever present in revelation of Him

As time keeps going

Live knowing

We were given the greatest gift

Jesus

The one who patched an impossible rift

May He satisfy your every anticipation

He did for me – via you

For our time spent together was a grand illumination