Content or Packaging?

So, I think it's very lame that I still have my Christmas theme up for my blog, but, with the lesson I just learned, I'm kind of glad. Let me explain.

My best friend has Breast Cancer. I have another childhood friend that I found out has been battling stage IV Esophageal Cancer for some time as well. It blows me away to think, they are both my age. I can't imagine the life trials which have been thrown at them becoming part of my own life.

As I was reading and responding to their most recent updates today, I was taught one of those "how could I have missed this all along" moments.

My friend Jennifer is at the stage where she is just losing her hair from chemo. She has always been beautiful, but I don't think I've ever seen her more beautiful than she looks with all her hair shaved off! I was trying to think of why that is and soon realized it is because it leaves absolutely nothing to distract from her beautiful eyes, smile, and the beauty and brightness of her faith that shines stronger than I remember ever seeing it! (personally, I think she should keep the look permanently!)

She mentioned in her update that she asked her husband why it wasn't bothering her. I think it goes beyond knowing other women who have been where she is and how strong they are/have been that she mentions. In addition to having the unconditional love of her family and so many friends, she knows who she is, and her hair is just a part of the package, and by far not the best part!

Here is the lesson part. Like a gift, too many of the rest of us have it all backwards and rather than treasuring the actual gift we disregard it and value the wrapping paper instead. Sure, wrapping paper can be pretty, but as pretty as it might be it was never meant to be important, let alone the main focus/most important. Can you imagine what the curb-sides would look like after Christmas if we treated our temporal gifts this same way?!

So, I'm glad I still have my Christmas Blog Theme up, because what it looks like doesn't matter. It's the content that counts, and I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful friend to be my teacher!

For anyone interested in following her inspiring journey, I know she would be okay with sharing her blog in hopes that it will be a blessing to others. Stubborn & Strong

Much Love and Hugs ~