December 6, 2011

• why we celebrate the way we do…

   

  Our days have been something really peaceful as of late. I know this is just the calm before the storm of no longer having a routine I’m familiar with, and so, I am making every effort to enjoy it, notice it, thrive in it, and love it while it lasts! Soon a new precious and completely helpless little life will be born and I will then be MORE than happy (and even ready!) to throw routine and “the norm” to the wayside in return for nursing, sitting, snuggling, and just “being” here at home as a new routine inevitable develops. I love that about life and having a new baby. It just happens on its own. No sense in rushing it. All in due time.

  Our home is decorated for Christmas. Candles are on and in full flame as long as I’m up and about. I know Christmas is not about this and that, the hussle and bussle of life and parties (though really fun!), and yet there is something about the traditions we’ve started, the special things we do as a family that help to point us to the “why” we celebrate this month like none other.

  Asher and Sophia will without hesitation tell you Santa is NOT real (with such authority I have NO idea where they got it from!) and what all of “this” is really about. There couldn’t be a warmer fuzzier feeling in my heart knowing my children can get excited about cookies and decorating them, stringing popcorn with me to hang on the mantel, and anticipating the next festivity all while remembering why “all this” is even so special in the first place. Jesus! We have a reason to celebrate, string lights outside (Gabe!), set up decor, treasure traditions with our families, fellowship and have parties with friends. And the kids eat it up! I eat it up! Jesus gets quite the birthday treatment around here.

  While tucking Asher and Sophia in bed last night, Asher called me over one last time to his side of the room and said, “We are really blessed aren’t we? I have a home, and a mom and a dad, and a family, and a nice warm bed, and I know it came from God.”

  And we are a blessed people. Whether we know it or not. That a God would look down on us, in our state of sin (having not arrived yet or perfect in any way shape or form) have pity on our lives, and send his own Son to make a way to be restored and reconciled to Him is a love like none other.

  I am thankful to know a love like this. To ponder on it and revel in it all while enjoying the slower more tired pace I find myself in naturally at 38 weeks pregnant. With this season life slows down a bit. Peace and comfort is so apparent. The kids play quietly. I sit to read to them or play a game with them. There is time and special purpose to just “be”.

  Sophia is either Maid Marian from Robin Hood or Mary herself here (can’t remember) but they are her favorite dress-up choices lately.

  

  Yesterday was a rude awakening for me: I now have to really try in order to win, and I still lose! Asher has now officially gained “Memory Championship” title, so far every time we play! He’s quite thrilled about this as you can imagine!

  

  Such a little Gabe! I love it! Although, Gabe stinks at memory. At least I can still always beat him!

  • 1:56 pm
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