I know you've heard it said a million times: "Christmas is about the kids!" I have to admit, to be honest, there is the believer and pastor side of me that says "No, it's about THE kid...or better, child, namely Jesus." And, if I am to be COMPLETELY honest, it's probably said with a touch of sarcasm mainly directed at the comment seeming somewhat trite. That all changed this week.
On Friday, our granddaughter Madyson came to spend a couple of weeks with us. It was amazing to me how life perked up. Not that it was necessarily drab prior to her arrival, but there was a new element introduced; the element of simplicity and excitement.
Now, I'm feeling the need to be quick to say up front that I love Christmas and I am not a Scrooge, but I, like many of you, feel the stress of the season. I too wonder if I've done enough, if I've gotten the right things for people, etc. Add to that thoughts like "Is the sermon meaningful enough? Did I take enough time with the text? What about the Sunday after Christmas? Do we have enough candles for folks to hold?" All of this adds up quickly to a jumbled mind and some what worn out emotions.
But I have been fortunate enough to balance that with walking in the backyard watching Maddy make "leaf soup" in the large planter. I had the fun of driving to Legendary Doughnuts with her to pick out doughnuts the morning after she arrived. I got to watch her face as she eyed the Rudolph doughnut (which she barely ate!). I had the chance to walk along side her as she navigated the driveway on her princess bike (although I couldn't explain how not to brake while she pedaled). And, my personal favorite, I got to resurrect the "snuggle chair" for a couple of evening readings of "My Big God" and "Goodnight Moon" and "Guess How Much I Love You?".
It was the pace I really needed.
And if you're there right now; if you're finding yourself chasing deadlines and last minute price reductions, I recommend a child's pace instead.
