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
7 comments:
awesome reminder....I needed that...
What a wonderful poem! Thanks for sharing it!
That's beautiful! And, since I've been up since 4:30, STRESSING about finishing this house before tomorrow...I needed tohear that! Love your new header.
Beautiful, Janie and so true!
Boy I needed that. I sit here on my computer weeping like a child. This is such a hard time for me. My parents are both gone. As a matter of fact, yesterday would have been my mother's 89th birthday. She passed away just 2 months shy of her 82nd. *sigh* It's a time of year that you are with family, yet most of mine are extended and live far away and we rarely speak anymore. That's the way life has turned in my world. Your poem is a reminder to me that, though this holiday is all about family and being with those you love, it's even more about our Savior Jesus Christ who has never left our sides. Thank you. I really needed this. God bless you and yours during this holiday season. Hope little Avery gets lots of sugar from Grandma! :) - Karen
Thank you, Janie---that was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm just dawdling around, despite all the things I need to do for our cookie-swap on Sunday. I'll go back to my little tasks, renewed and refreshed, and ready to get things done, but unhurriedly and with enjoyment.
You always seem to know the perfect thing to say or picture to post, to kindle memories or make an impression at the right moment.
rachel
Thanks for sharing that meaningful poem!
It has seemed harder to get into the Christmas spirit this year, hasn't it? I think it may have soemthing to with the times in which we all live...
Several people I have talked to have mentioned this...
So I have been reminding myself of something. One does not have to "get into the Christmas spirit" because the real Spirit of Christmas is the Love of God, and He is there anytime of any day, whenever we need Him, 24/7, 365....
Your poem is so right, and such a timely reminder! Best wishes, dear lagniappe friend, and relax! I will say a prayer for you today, Hugs, Jenni
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