We just finished our 4th Christmas celebration and our house looks like a toy store explosion. Actually, it looks better than in past years. With the kids getting older, their gifts get more "sophisticated". We had a great Christmas and were able to spend time with those we love so much. We were also able to spend time reflecting on the real reason for all this celebrating: the birth of our sweet savior. As a mom, I always think of Mary so much leading up to Christmas day. Being pregnant, riding a donkey and traveling 100 miles pregnant-ughh! Yet she treasured all these things, and was scared, but obedient.
As I was driving to work on Christmas eve, I was thinking and praying about how I didn't feel I was in the "spirit" of the season. I thought back to the night we watched "The Nativity Story" as a family(excellent movie). There were so many teachable moments with the kids that night, but God taught me an important lesson. As I watched as God spoke to Joseph and told him to flee Bethlehem for Egypt, I realized that God has spoken to me that same way and continues to. Wow- the same God that spoke to Mary and Joseph speaks to me-if I will listen! That is amazing and so humbling.
If you know me at all you know that I tear up easily- so as I realize this driving down Carmel Drive to work I start to cry. I end up in my van in the parking lot trying to compose myself before heading in to work, praying like everyday, asking God to help me be a blessing to others I come in contact with.
