My husband is a dream. Justin, the love of my life is my business manager. Our lives dramatically changed after my first book released in 2017. Justin is home 80% of the time now. He can be found scanning my art, sorting emails, arranging appointments and speaking engagements, and homeschooling our two youngest sons. He brings me coffee food as if I were an inmate in a South American prison, or a princess, depending on my attitude.
Recently while finishing up a chapter for my new book, he sat patiently and listened to me read another 4,000 words. When I finished reading, a fragrant tale that included glimpses of our life and growth, I looked up from my Mac and said, “well?”
And he said, “It’s amazing. Can you leave me out of your stories?”
I love that man. He couldn’t have known when he hauled his 19-year-old bride over the threshold of a tiny blue house at that edge of his hometown, I would turn his dreams of a quiet, private existence with half a dozen kids and a few cows into books for the world to see.
Really, he can’t be left out.
“My husband, who asked to remain anonymous, carried the tired child up the stairs. Later we talked about the long day and I wept. I cannot tell you what he said. But it was really sweet.”
Sorry babe, it doesn’t work.
There are some things that are too important to be left out of any great story. In the midst of tree decorating, Santa lap-sitting, wish lists, family gatherings, cookie decorating, stocking hanging, and stolen kisses under the mistletoe, there is someone I cannot leave out. We know His name. We have heard the story, it so clearly professed, the reason for the season, I can almost smell the hay, feel the chill, and hear the cries of a newborn baby boy, calling from the manager.
Alas, the most peaceable gift ever given, a Savior to the world is easily lost in the shuffle of tight budgets, last-minute trips to the mall, and all the things that make Christmas the craziest time of the year. And every year I make promises not to leave Him out.
I toiled with this. How could He be more and everything else be less? The answer came quickly. It was a welcome relief. Jesus is everything, whether I ignore Him for baking or wrapping. He is the reason for the season because He is the foundation for which we celebrate. It is impossible to leave Him out because nothing can separate me from Him. He died so that I might live. He calls me friend.
I don’t have to acknowledge my friends and family at Christmas, but I do because I love them. And I don’t have to forego traditions or the busy-ness of Christmas to experience Jesus every single day of Advent. There are no “have to’s” in a great friendship or love story. There are simply “want to’s” because it is too good, too important to leave out.
Jami Amerine is an author, speaker, and artist. She and her husband, Justin live in the North Houston, Texas area. Jami and Justin have six children ranging in age from 6-25. Jami is a four-time published author and royalty artist. Jami and Justin are advocates for foster care and adoption. You can learn more about Jami at sacredgroundstickyfloors.com