Dear Young Mom,
It’s Christmastime and that means more demands than ever. How can you possibly get everything done when “catching up” is a daily goal when it isn’t Christmas?!
I remember those days. Full of pressure and “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” questions running through my head. We moms can put a lot of pressure on ourselves. I was talking to a young mom this morning that was amazed when she went to a friend’s house for “game night.” The host mom was relaxed and welcoming and yet her house was….um…. messy. Gasp! And you know what?! My friend didn’t judge the messy mamma – instead, she admired her and noted that she could learn from her. To relax and enjoy.
Oh, I know there are oodles of demands calling you– little ones pulling on your shirt tails, errands that need to be run, meals to cook, dirty dishes to clean… And then there’s the laundry, mopping and who’s got time to nurture the kids?!! That’s a normal day – not even considering it’s Christmastime with gifts to wrap!
With a long list of to do’s, it’s difficult to stop long enough to soak in the beauty around. But you need to fill your soul because you’re giving, giving, giving on a daily basis. I know it seems counterintuitive – to stop for a few minutes and soak in the deliciousness of your environment – you may think you don’t have time, but in actuality, you’ll gain productivity. The birds singing will energize you, the curve of your little one’s nose will delight you, and the dishes in the sink will represent “family” in a way you never saw them before!
As I look back at the Christmastimes – I wonder where did they all go? Did I make it special enough for my kids? Do I even remember them?!… because you know it’s hard to remember details when you’re stressed and hurried. 🙁 We filled the days with crafts and baking, shopping and visiting – times were busy. Even so, I made an effort to weave in time to fill our hearts with wonder! Each year we’d jump in the car with hot chocolate (even if it was 80 degrees outside) and drive around looking at Christmas lights. We filled the house with Christmas music and lights. Oh, simple things! Because honestly, Pinterest and the “should do’s” overwhelm me.
Wonderment is all around! Children laughing, twinkling of lights, clouds drifting across the sky, and washing machines kindly doing our laundry for us! Oh delight in it!
I encourage you to stop now and gaze all around. What sounds surround you? What fragrance can you detect? Do you see the fingerprints of God around you? Can you feel His love in placing just the right people in your tribe?
Unwrap this precious gift. Receive it. God weaves Himself into every day – wanting us to draw near, and wanting to reveal Himself to us.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…(James 4:8)
When the day is crazy and the kids are chaotic, stop. Soak in the beauty of God’s Christmas gift to you. Life. Eternal – that begins here and now. It’s in the love, the lights, the laughter and the journey.
May you be filled as you soak it all in!
I’m so proud of you!
Michele Morin says
Oh, Char, thanks for this encouragement to let ourselves get lost in the wonder of the celebration. We have so many great memories of Christmas past, but today is a new day and this is a new season!
Char says
Its amazing that I can learn at my ripe old age to captured the wonder of every moment!
Laurie says
That is the perfect gift for a young mom to give herself – the gift of time. I remember as a young mom feeling so harried and stressed at Christmas time. Very wise words from someone who has been there!
Char says
I remember those harried times too. Now I’m a little too relaxed. Haha
Patrick Weseman says
So very nice. I think that everybody needs to read this. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
Thank you Patrick! Have a merry Christmas!
Lisa notes says
Good advice for all of us: “I encourage you to stop now and gaze all around.” Have a wonderful Christmas!
Char says
You too Lisa!
LAUREN Koepf SPARKS says
Good advice for us all. laurensparks.net
Char says
Merry Christmas Lauren!!! Thanks for stopping by each week.
Monica B. says
Char,
I love this article and I especially love the end of the writing when you said eternal life begins now. What a deep and rich yet simple truth. As my children are grown and I don’t see one of them for Christmas anymore due to in-laws etc, I find myself reminiscing about the joy of Christmas with my children when they were young. It was a lot of hard work but so fulfilling. My children tell me that Christmas is their happy memory always. But it goes quickly, and I would love to go back to those days, but of course we can’t. I take great comfort in your words … “eternity starts now”. That speaks volumes to me. That tells me that I need to constantly live in the here and now and that God‘s peace and His joy is in me and around me. I love what you said about looking around and seeing God moving in blessing us in everything. I love your writing. Never stop!! It touches the heart so!
Monica
Char says
Thanks Monica. Merry Christmas my friend!!
Liz says
Great advice! And you my one word for 2019! Such sweet confirmation! Blessings!
Char says
Good Liz! It will fun to watch you expound on that!