I know I'm probably the only person in the world that feels this way, but sometimes by the time I get to Christmas morning, the only thing I really want under that tree is a huge bottle of bubble bath, and my family telling me to go spend the day in the bathtub relaxing! Don't get me wrong - I love the music, the decorations, the excitement in my kids eyes just as much as the next person. But my life is already really busy, and when I look at all the extra "stuff" on my calendar, and think of all the extra "stuff" that's not on my calendar but will have to happen on my part to make this "the most wonderful time of the year", well, it makes me kind of stressed!
Several years ago someone shared this little poem with me. I can't honestly even remember where I found it, but I dust it off every year and share it with all my mom friends. I mostly bring it out again to remind myself what this time of year is truly about - celebrating the greatest gift that ever came to mankind, my Lord and Savior, Jesus! And blessing my family, even more importantly, ENJOYING my family as we go through this Christmas season.
So, I hope this will encourage all you busy mom's today. Take off your running shoes for a while, pour yourself a little cup of tea, and take some time today or over the next few days to remember and relax.
LOVE 1 CORINTHIANS 13 STYLE
By Sharon Jaynes
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls but do not show love to my family, I am just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but I do not show love to my family, I am just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of Christmas parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug a child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.
Amen! And someone shared this with me the other day in an email..
ReplyDelete"During this busy time of year, let's try to remember why we are celebrating Christmas. Remember that happiness doesn't come from spending money and collecting new things. In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives."
Ahhh, to have and know JOY this time of year.
Welcome to the Christmas season.
Love,
Sara
Midge, so true! (and BTW, I'm sitting here with my cup of Christmas spice tea in hand.). This year we have made a conscious effort to slow WAY down. The only Christmas cookies I am baking are the kind I can do with my kids. :)
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