Hi Friend! Yes, it has been a while since I sat down and written a post. Lots going on around here lately!
I felt like writing today because I think there are other Moms out there that are feeling like me and I want to let you know that it is okay.
December 1st…a new month…a new start…so many wonderful plans for Advent and Christmas! After one week, this Mom is worn out, stressed, and feeling guilty. You too?
I keep thinking to myself ~ How am I ever going to catch up and get everything done?
We are already three days behind on our Advent crafts, there are still boxes that need to be taken back downstairs, there is a BIG wreath sitting in front of our house waiting to be put on the front window, and did I mention the house? Oh, how it needs a good cleaning! Lots of plans for Random Acts of Christmas Kindness that have not been put into action yet and very little shopping done. At least our sweet elf, Noell, just like to move around, read the Bible, or leave sweet notes. He will certainly not be making any messes in our house – we have enough of those right now.
And to top it all off…our kitten decided to knock our Christmas tree over at 1:15 this morning! Four of my favorite ornaments were shattered. I am so thankful for my husband! He told me to go back to bed and he would take care of it. As you can imagine, I am dragging this morning.
The crazy thing is that I feel better today…yes you read that correctly!
I have a new perspective on Christmas this morning. I realize that I can’t do it all and I need to give myself some grace. I need to take a deep breath, relax, and take each day as it comes. I have my calendar out and will do a better job at planning our days and activities. But most importantly, I will focus on why we celebrate Christmas.
Right now, my favorite thing each day is to read my devotion in Ann Voskamp’s new book, The Greatest Gift. She helps me stop and reflect on God’s love and the Gift He gave us so many years ago.
This morning I went back to yesterday’s devotion and read this part…
The greatest gift God graces a soul with is His own presence. So the whirl can hush and the spin can slow because He will bless, and He will bless with Himself come down. The present is His presence, and the greatest present you always have to give is His presence – looking into someone’s eyes as you listen, refusing the wrong of rushing, lingering long enough to really listen – to everything.
So my friend, slow down and savor time with your Savior and time with your family and friends. If the other stuff gets done ~ Great! If not, that’s okay too.
Sending you Love & Blessings!
Melissa
Empowering Lives 4 Him 