When I was in kindergarten my teacher would correct me for leaving white spaces on my coloring sheets. Now in fairness, I don't remember if I left big gaps or if it was more like tiny white dots where the wax gets sticky and leaves little white dots. I do remember her words though and her attitude about a lot of things I did or didn't do. I feel you kindergarten teacher I do. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching all I can think of is how I want everything to just be perfect. I've been planning and shopping for months now. People say pinterest perfect, but that's not even good enough, I want Southern Living classic perfection.
Perfectly decorated house and yard, food cooked to savory goodness, gifts wrapped unrushed and dainty, elf enjoyed and creatively placed, and girls healthy and well behaved wearing whatever matching or coordinated outfits I plan out. Then I think of the white spaces, the things that just happen that I could let steal my joy. Life. Imperfections that hold the possibility of destruction if I let them set the tone of our Thanksgiving and Christmas. Material things, like bows not being perfect, comparison of who has lights on their roof, or sick kids. Let me tell you, that last one will destroy your plans fast. No trick or treat this year was so hard!
This holiday season, I'm digging my heels in hard and promising myself that I won't get caught up in the things that don't matter. That I will treasure the time I have with my girls, my husband, and our families. When your the momma you set the tone and environment, and it's especially true during the holidays. No pressure! I do this aggravated screechy growl thing when I get especially annoyed and Isla has started to mimic it. I want to set the correct tone, and show my girls why we are celebrating. I don't want to rush the season. I want to savor it and slow down to enjoy this time with my family doing what matters.
Why are we blessed? Are we grateful in the hard times? Are we celebrating and honoring our Savior? It's so easy to get caught up and lose sight of what is precious. The thankfulness we can focus on even when things aren't going our way. When things don't look perfect, or we feel stretched thin with the rush and travel and we find rest through Jesus. The comfort of His nearness when we miss those who are far or no longer with us. The thankfulness that's there because I'm the daughter of a King. The joy and peace that comes with the celebration of Christ.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13.
Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom their is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:7
His love is real, and bright and I want our home to shine with it.
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