It's the most Wonderful Time of The Year????? Really???

So if you are knee deep in Christmas prep like me, you might be asking yourself that very question. I currently have a million things running around in my head and not enough hours left in the year to complete them all, but I know that somehow it will all come together and everything will get done and I will sigh with great relief that once again my Christmas miracle has come.


This evening I my cell phone rang around dinner time (which was leftovers for anyone who wished and we did not eat together) and it was my Pastor (remember I volunteer as worship leader in my church). I though it odd that he would call in the evening so I answered to see what was up and was met with the question, " what are you doing up at 2:30 in the morning." I was caught off guard only because I had been scrubbing floors around that time last night or this morning rather, and had no idea how he knew that. I asked how he knew I was up, " what have you seen or heard?" I joked. He had in fact received an automated email to a party we are having reminding him to come and it was sent at that early hour. I told him that I did not send the email, but that Evite does that all on its own. He responded, " but you were up because you just admitted that when you asked how I knew you were up." So true, " well," I told him, "that is when I get my best work done." He told me I should get more sleep and take better care of myself. I hung up and darted out the door with a full shopping list and my to do list. It is now 11:51p.m. as I write.

I say all that because as moms we often do not have the time in the daylight hours to accomplish all that we need to get done. I love the night and am thankful these hours are available for me to play catch up. I love my sleep, but it is always fitful knowing there are things I have left undone during my day. The same is true for when I have left something undone or unsaid with my husband or children. I am learning that as busy as we are as moms we need to slow down handle things as they arise and take time to do and say what we are thinking and feeling.

Tonight I sat with my eldest daughter and finished up our annual Christmas ornaments. We make them every year to give as gifts to our friends and family at our Christmas open house. It was late and the house was quiet as we worked and talked, just the two of us. My night time is also the time I get to talk to God without distraction. It is the time I hear Him most, when all is quiet and I take the time to listen. Sometimes He tells me I am doing an OK job with my life as mom and wife, other times He shows me areas that desperately need work. But it is always in the night that I feel Him the most. He reminds me that today was just one day and tomorrow I might get another. But if tomorrow doesn't come will I sleep tonight knowing I did my best for Jesus.

Lord, In this time of year when everything seems to speed up, help me to slow down. Help me to see that there are people who need You. Help me to see the needs of those around me and take an extra moment, even when it feels I am running out of time. Mostly do not let me get so caught up in the frantic need to hurry up and have a good holiday that I forget that You sent Jesus, My Savior, and that is why we celebrate. Help me to instill these precious truths in my children so that as they grow their memories are filled with You and the Savior's birth. Thank You for the time I do have, and thank you for coffee! Amen