I don't know about you, but I'm having trouble this year getting into the spirit of decorating and shopping and all the countless (and stressful) things that, sadly, have become part of the Christmas holidays.
I've been Christmas shopping twice this week and have come home frustrated and, for the most part, empty-handed. The parking lots are full and the shops are full of people, which is a good thing for the economy, I guess, but all I want to do is be at home doing the fun things — like decorating the house, and thinking about menus for the holidays, and projects I want to do with our granddaughter Avery Grace.
I woke up around 2:30 this morning, wide awake, and worrying about all the things I have to do. After tossing and turning for a while, I got up to work on a post for today. While browsing through my pictures on my computer, I came across this poem from last year, and it inspired me to let go of all the "nitty-gritty-things-to-do" stuff. After all, it's only the 2nd day of December, and I'm sure it will all get done, with plenty of time to spare before Christmas Day. In the meantime, I'm going to slow down and do a little bit at a time and take time to enjoy it along the way.
If you've been feeling stressed, perhaps this beautiful poem will inspire you, too.
You won't need a special star.
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of Me
Amid the celebrations —
You'll have to look beyond the stores,
And all the decorations.
But if you take a moment,
From your list of things to do ...
And listen to your heart, you'll find ...
I'm waiting there for you.
You're the one I want to be with,
You're the reason that I came,
And you'll find Me in the stillness
As I'm whispering your name.
Love,
Jesus
[Author unknown]
Photos borrowed from the Internet
