Do you ever make so many plans for the Christmas season to make sure you “made the most of it”, that you end up feeling like to missed it all? Whew! I am burnt out man. We’ve had a super busy month. It was filled with wonderful parties, fun outings, activities, to do lists, stressfulness, big decision, etc… I am tired. I missed the quiet this season and the slowness of night. I regret not making more time for reading and reflection on what this season is for. I feel like I woke up yesterday morning and was in shock that it was already Christmas week. How do you balance between doing and stillness? When I look back on our last few weeks, we definitely tipped on the “doing” side of things. Which has been wonderful but a little much if I am honest with myself. I just struggle with wanting to do it all- there is just so much to enjoy in such a few amount of weeks. I haven’t made any plans for today or tomorrow and I’m really, really looking forward to getting out to my parents house on Christmas Eve for a few days together as a family. I can’t wait to have Kev home from work. I want movies, and pjs, and big breakfasts, reading time (I am dying to binge read The Greatest Gift) and tower building and lots of coloring. I want to be with just my family but I also want deep, true rest for my soul. Rest that only Christ can give. I kind of blew it this month by sweeping Him to the side. I let everything else get in the way (whether good or bad). I really hope to keep this learned perspective fresh for next year. I need to be a little better about balancing the Christmas season. Did this season sweep you by? How do you handle all the busyness that is inevitable?
Totally praying through this verse today…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
Here are a few snapshots from one quietly enjoyed evening at home a few weeks ago.
I’ll take more nights like this please!
Beautiful gingerbread house. 🙂 I fail at those. Whenever I make them it just looks messy and they never stay together. 🙂
jen,
you seriously have a beautiful family.
thank you for sharing.
happy holidays to you and yours and i cannot wait to see what 2015 has in store for you guys.
blessings,
-Les
YES! I am rushing to finish Christmas gifts and food for this week and everything else. Mostly because I want it all done before my husband’s parents come from LA on Christmas Eve. I want this rest to be just what you said here.
Have a wonderful time with your family!!
xo
L.O.V.E. <3
Well said sister! Need me some slow an steady after this hectic month!
Oh yes…you said it so well! The fact that I’m catching up on about five of your blog posts shows how crazy busy I got this year! 🙂 I’m already strategizing how to approach things different next year… I mean, our holiday was full of so many good things, and I know my kids have wonderful memories–I just feel it in my heart that I need to refocus!
I also think that we can get so down on ourselves and that is silly too. ( It looks like your girls had an amazing Christmas season!) Sending Sunny aloha–