By Christmas Time

The daughter picked up the tiny artificial Christmas tree her mom kept on the dresser by her bed and, remembering its story…she gently bowed her head. There was a time when her mom was young, when she was feeling a little blue when she was sad, confused and worried…when she didn't know what to do." A dear friend told her when things look bad to think about her Christmas tree. That by Christmas time her worry would be gone and she'd see things differently." By Christmas time her friend said, gone will be your uncertainty, your misgivings and your doubt, By Christmas time you'll be wondering what you were ever so worried about. The next day when she got home…she was surprised and excited to see on this dresser…her friend had left her…this tiny Christmas tree. From that day on whenever she was apprehensive…when her troubles flooded out whenever she was overwhelmed with worry, or with doubt. she would look at this little Christmas tree…"By Christmas time." she'd say and soon, as if by magic, her troubles would fade away. The daughter had just come from her mom's funeral, when tree in hand, a thought came to her head… So she took it home and found a spot on the dresser by her bed. She knows when she misses her mother…as she will most every day… By Christmas time she'll whisper…by Christmas time she'll say