Well Oak said it the best. December = overwhelmed. Just thinking about the month of December makes me completely overwhelmed. In our immediate family we have five birthdays. In our extended family we have seven birthdays. Then of course there is Christmas, which is the 'reason for the season' as everyone likes to put it. I want so badly not to make Christmas about gift giving and stress, but to make it about Christ's birth and family traditions (that we enjoy).
We are trying to get our own traditions set: cookies, tree, decorating... stuff like that. But even the cookies seem to be overwhelming. Our decorations are not out yet. Hopefully tonight we will put them up. I have them all set out on the table waiting to be put in their spots.
In addition to the normal yearly stress, we have our own added moving stress. We are not moving until after Christmas, but that does not mean we aren't looking for houses! So when we are not shopping for presents or going to parties, we are house hunting. And can I just tell you I do not see the 'falling market' that everyone is talking about. Perhaps it is because we are not looking for a run-of-the-mill house. We want some land on which to run and grow. Fruit trees and bushes, a garden, possibly a greenhouse later! is what are hopes are for. Chickens and goats... okay, that might be a little far-fetched, but maybe not completely! We have friends 20 minutes from us that have both chickens and goats. The idea of growing our own food and not having to rely on the supermarket is so very appealing to us (me), but that is for another post entirely.
So... December. Lord please let us focus on YOU Lord. Not on the money, or even the house-to-be. Lord let us appreciate what You have given us. Our families, friends and all of our loved ones. Also at the same time, though, Lord, we do not want our loved ones to be disappointed on Christmas, so please help us to find the right gifts for them. They do not have to be expensive, nor extravagant, but just the right gift that would make someone smile. Thank You Jesus for all that You do for us. I cannot imagine a life without You Lord. I am so thankful for You each day. And each day You pour so many blessings on me that I am just struck with this incredible awe. I cannot fathom why You are even bothering with little me, Lord. You created the universe for crying out loud. The universe! Yet You care so much about me that You know the number of hairs on my head. Thank you. I am so very VERY grateful.
