You know all of those things that you do every day? All of the ones that keep you going from the time that you wake up until the time that you go to bed? All of the moments where little kids or babies or not quite adults need your hands and your attention and your help???
Well, here’s what we are going to do.
You’re going to keep doing all of those things, but we are going to add in…. wait for it… Christmas. Yes! Christmas! A season of joy and cheer and hope found in Who has already come and what is yet to come!
Also, a season in which we will struggle to find the balance between keeping it all about Jesus and maybe throwing in a tricky magical elf. A season in which we will need to keep up with the housework and homework, but also add an appropriate amount of light and decoration and festivity. A season in which we are to revel in the joy of giving… all while trying to find gifts for those hard to pleasers and that one sold out toy on Amazon.
Friend, we do our best every day of the year – every single day. But the holidays can be downright overwhelming. Because while our time was completely accounted for without all of the tinsel, the holidays request that we also somehow manage to come up with time to purchase the gifts, and attend the plays, and decorate the house, and wrap the presents, and buy the sweaters and jammies and stocking stuffers, and plan the menu, and prepare the food, and make the days magical and keep our hearts holy. Because after all… Jesus. It’s all about Jesus.
But friend? This isn’t a post about keeping it simple. Or about what it means to have a sacred holiday. Even though, both are good things. It isn’t a post about how we do it at our house or how you should do it at yours. I’m not complaining or trying to say that the holidays are just more work (But we all agree they are more work.)
No, friend, this is just a simple reminder a few days before Christmas to say that I know you’re trying your best. I know you’re doing everything you can to make this a special time for you and your family and friends. I know that you have gone out of your way to do those little things that will turn regular moments into treasured memories.
But you know what it really is? … worth it.
Every last bit.
Because if being a momma has taught us anything, it is that at the end of the day when we finally rest our heads on our pillows, or against the back of the rocking chair, or down on pile of waiting to be folded clothes… we can rest knowing that all of our efforts have meant something. Every ounce of ourselves that we gave. Every moment that we chose love. Every time that we were there. We have continued to tell the story that will always end with the words, “She did the best she could.”
Because that’s what we do. That’s what mamas do 365 days a year. We just find a way to make it happen. And this year? You are doing a great job, and your best is good enough.
So, here’s to you, friend. Here’s to the mamas who love for the sake of loving. Who give for the sake of giving. And who do it all out of the goodness of their hearts expecting no praise or applause in return. Today, I’m cheering for you. Because Christmas? Well, Christmas wouldn’t be what it is without the mamas who make it happen.
Merry Christmas, friend.
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