I started out this Advent season with many dreams of the books we would read, crafts done, and activities experienced together. But then....you guessed it....life happened. We have read books, and made a couple crafts, but there have been many hurried mornings where there wasn't time to count our advent chain or read our books. Diapers, breakfast, the dog or crying children demand my attention, and leave little room for advent dreams.
My unrealistic, idealist dream would be to spend all next week in my jammies, reading Christmas books, baking, and doing crafty things. But reality? There's still grocery shopping, laundry and dishes (especially if we bake), and house cleaning (that I skipped this week, so I can't really skip next week). The toddler and preschooler will still fight, and diapers will need to be changed. Reality is a lot messier than my dream week.
But reality makes the quick moments of slow even more special. When we squeeze in a craft, it's a brief moment to pause. Like coming up for air or taking a sip of cold water on a hot day. It's what makes the messy diapers, the potty training accidents, the tantrums, and exhaustion worth it. When we can slowdown together to remember our Savior coming to join us in our messy world.
Can I let you in on a secret? Some of my favorite moments of the day are when the baby refuses to sleep just yet, and I get to snuggle her after everyone else has gone to sleep....and it's quiet...perfectly quiet. Everything is still, and holy, and I just get to 'be' in that moment and smell her sweet little head. The Christmas lights give off a special glow in the late night hours. But those moments don't last forever, as I'm usually quiet tired and need to head to bed. The alarm will go off early even if I'm up late.
What's your quick moment of slow? Perhaps it's to pause to drink your cup of tea each afternoon. Or your morning walk, or listening to Christmas songs while you do the dishes. Perhaps you also sit for a few moments to enjoy the lights, and reflect your blessings.
These quick moments remind us that there is more than the hustle and business of work and housework. There are people to love, events to celebrate, blessings to give thanks for, a world to explore, and a Savior born here for us.
A sweet friend wisely shared this week that we all have "Instagram worthy" moments, it's just a matter of seeing them the right way. I don't know about you, but I often long for the quiet peaceful moments and festive activities I see on my Instagram account. But reality is, those pictures were probably taking in just as messy of a setting as my own household, but they applied a filter to the photo to bring out the beauty of it. Today we made gingerbread cookies, and baked the pieces to make a gingerbread house later. It was a messy process multitasking the dough, the crying toddler, the barking dog, and timing the baking just right. But if you looked closely, past the noise, the smelly trash can, and toddler crys.....there was an "Instagram moment" where daddy and daughter worked together to cut out tiny gingerbread trees.
As we count down the days till Christmas, may you have many quick moments of slow. Moments where you slow down, even for a five minute moment, to just enjoy the season, lights, and ponder our Savior's birth again. As you sip your hot chocolate, remember your blessings.
This year I'm thankful for little ones who rejoice in all the activities, a husband who grants my holiday wishes, and my Savior who lovingly came to live in our mess so we can go live with Him one day.
Merry Christmas!
Felicia
P.S. I read through this book and enjoyed it!
The Nesting Place (affiliate link)
It's all about making your home welcoming, and creating a simple beautiful space for people to come and relax. You don't need fancy furniture or upscale decorations. Just simple items arraigned to create a place of rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment