With the snow on the ground and stray mittens making their way throughout our home it was hard to wait until December to decorate for Christmas. So, our tree is up, although yet to be adorned with ornaments, our garlands strung, and wreaths hanging. Truth be told J and I did a little dancing to some Christmas classics today. How fun to be the one to teach him "Frosty" and "Jingle Bells. Although at this point he just mostly likes whirling around the house rather than singing with his Mama.
It is truly that time of year. Once again I find myself desperately seeking a way to make it more than the hustle of Christmas gift buying, the stress of entertaining on a level worthy of a "pin". Instead of stress, to have excitement build in anticipation of Jesus' birthday. Perhaps more than anything to help my child to find true meaning in the season. To draw him into gratitude for the gifts we have already received rather than being distracted by all the gifts he desires to receive.....if I am really honest with myself I desire the same attitude.
This week has not only brought out the Christmas decorations but the expansion of two families from Saskatchewan through adoption in South Africa. What a privilege it has been to read their stories and see the pictures of their beautiful families. It stirs within my heart the anticipation and excitement of the day when it will be our blog posts showing our new babe. What a wonderful day that will be. And yet, perhaps my desire in regards to our adoption is not unlike my desire for the Christmas Season. That I might not be so caught up in the gifts I hope for or anticipate receiving that I fail to see the incredible gifts I have already received. Too busy in preparations that I fail to enter into the moment.
It is truly that time of year. Once again I find myself desperately seeking a way to make it more than the hustle of Christmas gift buying, the stress of entertaining on a level worthy of a "pin". Instead of stress, to have excitement build in anticipation of Jesus' birthday. Perhaps more than anything to help my child to find true meaning in the season. To draw him into gratitude for the gifts we have already received rather than being distracted by all the gifts he desires to receive.....if I am really honest with myself I desire the same attitude.
This week has not only brought out the Christmas decorations but the expansion of two families from Saskatchewan through adoption in South Africa. What a privilege it has been to read their stories and see the pictures of their beautiful families. It stirs within my heart the anticipation and excitement of the day when it will be our blog posts showing our new babe. What a wonderful day that will be. And yet, perhaps my desire in regards to our adoption is not unlike my desire for the Christmas Season. That I might not be so caught up in the gifts I hope for or anticipate receiving that I fail to see the incredible gifts I have already received. Too busy in preparations that I fail to enter into the moment.
For someone who likes to plan and do, the waiting process of adoption is challenging, but as my husband reminds me often, "It will happen at the perfect time." Thankful today that I can trust that God is orchestrating the creation of our family. Preparing both us and our little man or lady for each other. Until we meet might I recognize each day the incredible blessings I already have.
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