wish list

"I know it's probably too late, mom, but I'd like to add to my Christmas list...."

Hard to imagine I've heard this statement about 50 times since the beginning of December.  (and they've been working on their "lists" since October.)  We try hard to focus on what Christmas really means, we even talk about why we give gifts to each other....why we focus on the giving, not receiving...how spending time together is more valuable then the things money can buy....what it means  to have the hope only Jesus can bring.....

and yet....

"I know it's probably too late, mom, but I'd like to add to my Christmas list...."


I've been working on my own list.  But my list does not give me a sense of joyous anticipation...

~shopping - for the most perfect gift for everyone on my list
~cleaning, laundry, cleaning, laundry - these things don't go away just because there are other things to do
~shopping - oops, I forgot so-and-so and such-and-such
~concerts and parties and plays, oh my!
~baking - to bake or not to bake, that is the question (and I'm thinking "not")
~wrapping and decorating, card writing and mailing
~shopping - oh, I guess we should have some food in the house
~planning and prepping, cooking and crafting

the list goes on and on.

I long for the peace that passes understanding, and I told the Lord that very thing.  You know what He showed me? 

~ a verse written into a card from a friend: "Christ Himself is our peace" Eph 2 :14
~two blog posts that I read regularly: Simple Mom  and  chatting at the sky
~even the cheesey Christmas movie I watched on tv was a great reminder

Perfection is not the goal.  Getting everything done to my impossible expectations will not make the Season more enjoyable - in fact it will likely do the exact opposite, because even if I did get it all done my way, I would end up so exhausted that no one would want to be around me.

And so I thank the Lord and I move forward, doing the things I can (forgetting what I can't do) and celebrate!  Enjoy the quiet moments, enjoy the "lively" moments (that's a reference to my kids' excitement which has been wearing me out!) and everything in between.

I praise God for a family that loves me as I am - imperfections and all - and for a gracious and hard working husband that surprised me by finishing all the Christmas cards, that happily runs the errands I hate to do and keeps upbeat in stressful times.

The Truth never changes and when the Lord says He is the "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6) - this is Truth.

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14