Present
Christmas morning has come and gone. We celebrated, thinking about the tiny life in the manger that the world had waited for all those years ago. The day has passed, and yet I didn’t relish the advent season as I had hoped. This happens to me every year.
I romanticize how I will slow down the month of December, clearing the way to embrace the season somehow and get wrapped up in the wonder. Yet, I always seem to fail, forgetting I’m the only one responsible for the expectations I have fallen short of.
Under the glow of the lights strung on the tree that is losing its pine needles all too quickly, I’m reminded that I don’t have to wait until next Christmas to savor the Savior who came all those years ago. In reality, we are still waiting daily for His second coming. Each day, whether the calendar on my fridge is open to December or not, is one we can remember that night he came, fulfilling His promise. We can rest knowing He will continue to fulfill His promises.
Like many, I jumped on the “word of the year” train a while back. In 2019, my word was focus. I’m sure there are many things I didn’t center on diligently, but when it came time to attack the stack of paperwork needed for our adoption, I somehow made up for it like a ninja. When our home study provider came she said she had never seen someone get their paperwork done so quickly, I brushed it off like it was no grand feat, but internally was happy that at least in one category of my life I had been able to focus.
I was looking forward to this time of year because it inevitably equals more presence. The kids are home from school, and even though that means I’m asked nonstop about snacks and when the next meal is, I love that we automatically stop, sit down, make dinner together, and play games, and time seems to slow down. Why am I so quick to forget this can happen year-round? That’s why my word for 2020 is present.
Present in the Christmas decor that I know I won’t get put away before January 1st.
Present in the battleground that is our kitchen because we spontaneously decided to paint our cabinets.
Present as we begin a new waiting period in our adoption.
Present as I’m attempting new goals for the new year that I haven’t even had time to write out perfectly.
The list goes on.
As I await this New Year, excited about fresh starts and new beginnings, I want to remember I can celebrate the gift He was daily.
Friend, I wish you a Happy New Year and that you will be able to do the same.
