I knew the holidays would be difficult for me as I struggle still finding a balance between what my brain wants me to do and what my body can do! I tried really hard to tone down things and focus on the true meaning of each season but somehow on some days I would find myself totally exhausted, frustrated, and utterly defeated as I tried to accomplish much more than I knew I could handle!
But as I looked back over the past two months, all the hustle and bustle, the gifts, the parties, and all the events do not stay center stage in my mind. The things that really made such an impression on my mind and heart was the joy I found in the little everyday moments; the time spent holding a sick grandbaby while resting myself, the many times my family stepped in to shop, cook, and make gifts that I had planned to make for others when I was unable to.
One of my very favorite moments was on Christmas morning when everyone wanted to open their gifts, I asked everyone to participate in the Nativity. Despite the moaning and groaning of my teens and young adult children, they were good sports about it. Now don't get me wrong it wasn't the most spiritual moment as my kids are always up for making every moment something to laugh about. We laughed and giggled watching grandpa be the donkey and C'Jay holding up Louie like Lion King. But the spirit truly entered the room when my little 2 year old granddaughter, who was playing Mary, climbed into the makeshift cradle (manger) right next to her 6 month old baby brother, Louie, playing baby Jesus. She then lovingly kissed him on the head and snuggled up to him. It was as if she knew the importance of this tender scene. It brought tears to my eyes as we all quietly sang silent night reflecting on the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
SUCH A SWEET AND TENDER MOMENT!
Our Savior, was the perfect example of seeking out "the one" and never letting the busyness of life get in the way of showing love, simply listening, or just being there for the ones you love. My hope is to take these tender moments into the new year and build upon them and continue to create lasting, cherished, relationships with my family and others for many years to come.
