• 11.24.2008
Holidays
It seems every year, we set out to not be as hurried or weary during the holiday season.... "Honey, this year, I want to ENJOY Thanksgiving dinner!" And off we go, fretting over our shopping list, scrubbing the entire house (even the closets because Aunt Joy is SO nosey), rushing to the store (with kids in tow) carefully avoiding the other grouchy shoppers, home to put it all away in the fridge that won't hold it all with that huge turkey taking up all the room, crawling out of bed the next morning to wrestle the turkey in the oven before dawn, then the mad rush to get everything else ready, racing through the house RE-cleaning it, yelling at the kids for messing it up again, jumping through clean clothes, briefly checking the hair, answering the doorbell 10 times with smile properly plastered (wondering if they can see the sweat rolling down your neck), pretending you are happy to see everyone (even the ones you haven't spoke to since last year's "episode"), throwing the food on the table, giving everyone their seating instructions so that Aunt Joy doesn't annoy Cousin Charity... and then flopping into a chair to ENDURE the meal! So much for enjoyment! What a crock!
But this year... I got to thinking... I WILL do all those same tasks... there really ISN'T a way to have a clean house and wonderful meal without those tasks being done... but what if the problem wasn't the tasks and the inevitable busyness they bring... what if the problem was my focus... my attitude... my HEART????
So THIS year, I am rewriting my holidays!! As I move room to room, I will clean diligently but with a song in my heart. My song will be one of thankfulness that God has provided such a wonderful home for me to share with family, both the ones that live here and the ones who will visit. I will carefully create my menu so that all the favorites are included for everyone. What fun to give my family gifts of great food! I will thankfully drive to the store, not having to walk as so many do, or lug grocery bags on the city bus as we witnessed one mom do last week. In the store, I will take time to smile as I manuver my buggy around others. Who knows? Maybe they just need a smile to remind them that this is the time of year for thankfulness, not grumpiness! When I return to my home, my great, big, warm, inviting home, I will find room in my new fridge even if it means taking the time to clean it out and make it shine! I will rise with joy and anticipation on Thanksgiving morn, ready to bring wonderful smells into the home as others rise slowly and peaceably. Cooking has always been relaxing for me. Why should this day be any different? I will choose to let it relax me and enjoy the pleasure of knowing that as family arrives, they will sense the love put into this meal, the love found in this home! Greeting my guests at the door will bring joy to my heart... that out of all the places they could be today, they chose to be with us. I will seat myself at the table next to those that have a harder time dealing with family dynamics... those that REALLY just need an ally! And at the close of the day, I will know that my attitude... my heart's condition, was the cause of peace, not strife, the cause of warmth, not the cold shoulder... that my family will have memories, not regrets!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, friends! And if you need to REwrite your holiday, remember, God's grace is sufficient for you, too!
Patti
Comments
• 12.8.2008
That is neat
Posted by thornfaith
What a great idea, I have been lucky every year to go to someone else's house and just bring a few items.
So how did it work for you?
Faith
• 12.12.2008
Amen!
Posted by Jaimers
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Well Done!
Merry Christmas!
~jaimers~
• 1.3.2009
Untitled Comment
Posted by blessingsundreamtof
I think that next year I'll take have a "busy boycott"!!! Yeah, right! It always seems that those intentions of simplicity and peace fall quickly to the wayside, huh. Miss and love you bunches!
:)Michelle
