Changing Christmas Mugs

Once upon a time, people only left home for war or in search of a "better life" (i.e. fortune, fame, or freedom). Today, most people in North America have the choice to leave their childhood nest simply to experience and explore the world. Our family loves experiencing and exploring, which is why we've taken so many trips even with little ones. However, there's a reason so many songs and movies profit from the line "home for the holidays." Things change when you leave the nest, and don't always reset when you return. Although it's not so much "things" that change, but people.
Young family units begin with fresh coffee beans (permit me the caffeinated comparison). They are plucked straight from the coffee cherry shrub and ready to cultivate. The family plants itself together and decides what drinks fit best with their personal style. They can change how things are roasted from their past, or keep classic creations brewing. Either way, when we start from scratch together, it is easier to grow together. Day to day with the same people, forces us to smell sweet aromas for better or worse, but when time or travel take us apart, there is a learning curve, which short occasion gatherings cannot account for such consumption. 
Moreover, we tend to assign "mugs" to our closest relatives, (mine probably has a classic cross or coffee bean). If we outgrow our assigned cup, or worse, no longer relate to the slogan at all, it is difficult for the rest of the family catch up to speed on what to serve us. We stumble and offend each other simply because we don't carry the right coffee, and we don't like running around on raw beans or egg shells for that matter, especially with "family." The great thing about family is that they are always family, but the bad thing is that we don't permit changes with family as easily as we do with our friends. Families that live near each other grow together like neighbors or co-workers, but when the breakroom coffee gets too stale too often, you can quickly change careers. You can't, or shouldn't, kick or quit your family. 
Even the son of the most high God felt the fatigue of "home for the holidays" like so many of us. The book of Mark provides a little insight into Jesus' empathy with our predicament as he went to his hometown.
“Where did this [Jesus] get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that 
has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith" (Mark 6:2-6).

 The miracle baby from Christmas grew up in faith and became the fulfillment of long-awaited prophesy. His closest relatives had trouble adjusting to the change. He was offensive living out His personal calling and life to save those same family members.
If nothing else, we need to thank God he remains relatable regardless of time change. He stays the same while allowing us room to grow.
We also need to leave our doors and mug cabinets open for our loved ones to choose their cups, while also giving ourselves grace choose the wrong one out of habit.  When beans sit and roast for too long, the taste is bitter, but God never said that our relationships would be free from strife. Rather, we love because He first loved us, and sent His son into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst (me speaking, but also in 1Timothy 1).
I am so thankful that our little plants were given healthy soil this Christmas season because it seems the last five years we have been in or near hospital, and hospital coffee tastes terrible. There are definitely no personalized mugs to be had, which can also be a good thing! With no plans or preparations, the simplicity was a sweet smell that I pray I never forget with time.

The sweetest bean in his own sitting mug.

Double trouble

A new nativity thanks to our Dee Dee!

Sipping on my own coffee

We decided to check out some RVs for future family travel dreaming. Roman asked me to take his picture to remember the moment!

I won't ever forget that moment!

Thanks for our bean bags Gibby! They are the best ever! Even portable for that future RV!

We love celebrating birthdays, especially the ones when we all give gifts to each other!

Goodwill gifts after Christmas didn't leave our heads!

Warm Christmas means funny faces!

Thanks to those beanbags, we had new activities to play!

I spy four little guys

No snow? no problem! Box sledding!

We had a blast! The boys even purchased new slogan coffee mugs for mommy and daddy from the dollar store. I think they know us well right now!

~Christmas MugBuster