On the eve of sanity

Well, I've almost made it. I've almost crossed the holiday finish line. I've fought my way through crowded stores, planned and survived two birthday parties for my husband which were held at our house (thanks, hon', for being born on Christmas Eve!), retrieved new addresses and updated my Christmas card list, sent Christmas cards, argued with grumpy store clerks, baked cookies for Christmas parties, sent bulk of Christmas gifts to my family in Florida and believed the postal clerk when he said that they would arrive before Christmas and waited on pins and needles until they arrived at the last minute! And finally, I read Isaiah 9:6 at our Christmas Eve service - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" with as much enthusiasm as a Sunday afternoon yawn (or so I felt it seemed). I was too worried about tripping over words that I very carefully formed each word with not so much as a smile on my face. It should have been joyously delivered. I wanted another try, but the moment had passed and I had returned to my seat.

Why has life become one big to-do list, distracted by the holiday rush? Has even Christmas lost it's meaning and excitement? The anticipation of Christmas programs and fellowshipping with others, the wonder in childrens' eyes, the fun in finding that perfect gift, the beautiful carols that echo the wonder of baby Jesus born in a manger. Yet, I find my purse littered with various scraps of paper -
1. Bake cookies.
2. Pick up cake.
3. Must send gifts tomorrow!!!
4. Call Jenni!
5. Send cards!!
6. Get the Smiths' new address!!!

I'm stressed and distracted!! And to top things off, I discover that my Florida packages did indeed arrive, but damaged! I resolved to never send my own packages. Everything will be ordered on-line next year.

Why must it be like this? As the dust settles and the big day has arrived, I realize what a great place I am in life. Just two years ago we weren't in the best of situations. Our lives have tremendously improved. As we ate out for my husband's birthday tonight, we reflected on all that we have to be thankful for. And yet, I had squandered such a beautiful Christmas season. I had stressed and not focused on the reason for the season.

Next year things will be different. I will make more time to pray and reflect on God's goodness to me. I will stop to thank Him more for the glorious gift He has given us in his Son. I will realize that even if my cards do not get delivered on time and my packages are lost in the mail, it doesn't matter in the light of my many blessings and joys. I will relax in the Good News that I have a Savior - Jesus Christ. That is all that matters.