Chateau Boudreau 2009 I like to be “that one” who has shopping done by October and the exterior lights ready at the flick of a switch the night after Thanksgiving. I practice what I have dubbed “being good to myself”. That means I think about tomorrow and do today what will be an assist to me tomorrow. It’s why I don’t rush to grab the vacuum and find the bag full with no back-up special order replacement bags on the shelf. It’s because I ordered them last month, out of kindness. Kindness to me.
Three years ago Holy Spirit impressed on me that the years for over the top outdoor lights had come to an end.
I love my holiday decor, and every year tried to top the last culminating with the aurora borealis over Santa’s workshop with animated elves and life-size Santa waving from his sleigh. I did not hesitate when I believed I had heard God, because I knew this purge was a difficult directive. I immediately posted for my friends to come and take whatever they wanted out of my garage.
Gone. Done.
And not a year too soon. I went to India to minister that Fall, and barely got my interior decor up. Last year I was in Myanmar and the Philippines for November. This year it was Indianapolis, Augusta, Cuba, Florida and Dallas, which doesn’t even count the 5 days in Nevada that just happened. Anywhere but Colorado, but for all the right reasons. I’m scrambling to get stocking stuffers, order gifts, and here it is December 14 and my tree still isn’t up.
Three years ago Holy Spirit impressed on me that the years for over the top outdoor lights had come to an end.
I love my holiday decor, and every year tried to top the last culminating with the aurora borealis over Santa’s workshop with animated elves and life-size Santa waving from his sleigh. I did not hesitate when I believed I had heard God, because I knew this purge was a difficult directive. I immediately posted for my friends to come and take whatever they wanted out of my garage.
Gone. Done.
And not a year too soon. I went to India to minister that Fall, and barely got my interior decor up. Last year I was in Myanmar and the Philippines for November. This year it was Indianapolis, Augusta, Cuba, Florida and Dallas, which doesn’t even count the 5 days in Nevada that just happened. Anywhere but Colorado, but for all the right reasons. I’m scrambling to get stocking stuffers, order gifts, and here it is December 14 and my tree still isn’t up.
 Poinsettias R.I.P. | We forgot to bring in my beautiful poinsettias from the porch last night, and this morning they are limp and brown. My husband’s face betrayed the lack of grace I have shown in past years when mistakes were made that dampened the perfection of the season. I saw his relief when I started laughing. They were pretty while they lasted! What are dead poinsettias when my tree isn’t up, my bedroom is an explosion of two unpacked suitcases, my laundry is strewn, and I have a Korean exchange student arriving today to spend the next three weeks living with us to experience an American Christmas? |
What's Important
What’s important is that I’m present when my children want to engage. What’s important is that I am kind, both behind closed doors, and out in public when I brush shoulders with others who are harried. What’s important is that I remain discerning, alert to perceive what is happening in the world of others around me who may be hurting or feeling overwhelmed. What’s important is our God who came in the flesh to model, to give His life, and to resurrect rescuing mankind from the fallenness that brings pain and loss, restoring our fellowship with Him.
Eyes on what was important motivated me in the past to be “that one” who had all my candy canes in a row in advance, so that I would have the freedom to breathe easier and keep my focus. This year I am not “that one” just like almost everybody else I know. Even so, what’s important remains.
What’s most important, is still most important.
Eyes on what was important motivated me in the past to be “that one” who had all my candy canes in a row in advance, so that I would have the freedom to breathe easier and keep my focus. This year I am not “that one” just like almost everybody else I know. Even so, what’s important remains.
What’s most important, is still most important.
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