ideas, plans, lists, ideas, plans, lists . . .
all for how i see this season in my mind. but what about how they see it?
do the ornaments have to go on the tree only where i think they should go? i'm not the only one celebrating in this house, am i? (how often do i say that to isaac? you're not the only one in this family. we have to think of others. everything doesn't revolve around you. maybe i should take my own words to heart.) being controling doesn't help me control the other stuff in my life right now, but it does sap me of joy that i could be experiencing and sharing with my family. so maybe, in the middle of decorating the tree, we should just stop and get our outside clothes on and go sled down the hill with ben, who has just finished plowing. yes. lets. all together. and when we return inside, maybe my kiddos should place some ornaments right where they want them on the tree. yes. they should.
this advent season has been one of newness (a new home, the beginning of some new traditions, a new season of our life). simplifying (paring down outside activities, nurturing our family). focusing on enjoying the moment - not controling the moment. and giving the things that i can't control to God. really giving them to Him, praying about them, and seeking an answer. holding on to God, not holding on to the stuff.
every day is not going to look exactly like my "plan" - but every day can be wonderful if i let it be. and sometimes the way my kids see it is even better than the way i saw it. and decorating in stages instead of all at once - i've loved that, too. less mess. less stress. an end in sight. less is more. a smaller batch of cookies - so we all enjoy making them. the gifts planned for today might not have arrived in the mail or may not be totally finished . . . but there's nothing wrong with mixing up what we've got, is there? the point, i'm finding, is to celebrate each day. to have a plan, but to be able to enjoy being flexible with that plan. to allow my husband and my kids to help shape our days.
after all, i'm not the only one who lives in this house . . . and i'm really glad i'm not!