Wow! What another busy time of the year. The most amazing gift ever given to us was God's son and as I reflect upon these past few weeks leading up to His birthday, I question and wonder to myself is this how God would want us to celebrate His son's birthday? A piercing question that pulls at my heart. As my convicting heart ponders the last few weeks I call out to the Lord.
Here in America we so easily are caught up in the alter of commercialism, materialism and plain old "busy-ness" that is associated with Christmas we not only minimize His birth but we get caught up with the distractions that pull us away from Him. How do you find balance? Is balance even what God would want? These are questions I will continue to talk with the Lord about, but in the meantime I do want to share some of our highlights in the last few weeks.
John and I were able to escape to Hawaii for a wonderful time together and with friends. We were amazed at the absolute beautiful world that the Lord has made and were in awe at the beautiful mountains and of course the force and beauty of the ocean. We came home and the hustle and bustle of trying to get gifts for everyone was about to put me over the top! I am a procrastinator by trait and I did do a few things prior but of course saved mostly everything for only days before Christmas. We have been bringing the kids skiing every day that we can this month and have been thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Both Gabriella and Isaiah have improved greatly since our first time out this year. Gabriella had a lesson 10 days ago and they said she is doing great and doesn't need anymore as she has seem to master the lifts and the hills. Isabella is begging to start skiing, maybe at the end of the season? In the meantime, she enjoys hanging out on the slope with us playing in the snow, snacking in the lodge and she has even made some friends in the ski school!
It was really neat watching the kids' expression opening the gifts and that is what I love. One thing though, their expression dimmed as I watched them open more and more presents. It is just too much. John and I say that every year, but why do we feel like we still have to give them that super cool gift(s)? My only answer is that we are guilty of getting caught up with the materialism and commercialism that inudates our society. Something that will have to change for next year as my heart has been thoroughly been convicted.
One thing we did do this year was read, as a family, Jotham's Journey. It was a great story that really brought us on a journey with Jotham along with the sheperds and Magi to the stable in Bethlehem. It painted a picture in my mind that has pierced my thoughts this holiday season. The kids looked forward to reading it every night before bed as we would light the candles and read. Our Christmas morning was beautiful. We enjoyed reading from God's word and singing and worshiping the Lord as Isaiah played piano, shared in a wonderful breakfast and of course we opened gifts. We were saddened that John had to go off and work, but again are very thankful he is blessed with work.
God is so good! Thank you Lord for giving us the best gift of all and help us to not get caught up in the wrong reasons for celebrating. Keep us focused always up to you!
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