After spending two days reading this book, I got to the end tonight. Much to my surprise, this book did not give me the message I was expecting. Instead of wanting to curl up in Santa's lap and talk about dolls and trains, I sat on my couch and finished crying. (As Bret looked on like I was crazy... Which I sure I am!)
For those who are looking for a moving story this season, this is the book for you. Spoiler alert - YOU WILL CRY. It is a hard book with a difficult message to swallow. This is not a snowflake and hot cocoa book. You might close it feeling just a little bit down, but it is a lesson we all need to face once or twice in our lifetime at least. This book makes one step back and really think about their life. Where as this book is indeed about a Christmas Sweater, this story could apply to anyone at any time of the year. However Christmas, I am sure, makes the story a little more powerful. All-in-all though, this book, to me at least, took me out of my comfort zone.
While reading through the story, several parts of my own life were thrown into my face and I really began to think about things and how I let the decisions I make affect me. By the end of the story I realized just how much weight I carry on my shoulders before I finally stop and really ask for God's help. Not just God, but help from those I care about in general. Our nature, as humans, is to do things our own way; To brave through, persevere, go our own route. Little do we realize, I believe, just how much we let the world around break us down when really, at all times, we should be allowing it to build us up and allowing others, and God, to step in when we are struggling with just that. "You have to realize that no one is meant to carry the load alone. We're all in this together. Once you realize that you can ask for help, your whole world will change." It really is a powerful idea if you stop to think about it - being reminded that you are not the only one, we are all here to help each other grow in life and above all else, God is here to lift us up and to guide us at all times. He is here to bring joy to our lives and to cheer us up when we are letting the material things of life bring us down. All we have to do is believe. After all, isn't that the message this time of year anyways? To believe in the magic of a special someone that spreads joy and cheer?
A good read with a good message:
1 comment:
aww kat that's so sweet. i was looking through your pics and you and your mother's resembelance is uncanny!!! my dad is just loving the fact that your mom invited him to participate in junior achievement. ( i'm a terrible speller)is speller even a word?...dang I need to go back to school ;). loving your blog by the way...it's so fun. xoxo
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