Advent is a beautiful season of preparation; the anticipation is what helps build our excitement for the big event. While Advent is a season in which the Church prepares for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, I also am finding myself, fittingly, in a season of preparation for my next big step. I love that God indulges my poetic nature in order to allow me to see His presence in every step I take.
I, like many parents, went out and bought an Elf this year. For my shelf. It sat there for 2 days, un-named, while I wrestled with a very unexpected case of guilt caused by buying the little pointy-hatted guy.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing inherently bad about Mr. Elf, but here's the thing. My husband and I are in this "Advent" season of our lives. We are making decisions, big and small that will affect for better or worse the rest of our lives, as we soon will be making some big changes.This is the first year that our kids are old enough to care about Christmas and, frankly, the first Christmas that we have had enough energy to think about starting our own traditions. What I have begun to realize is that this world is already so, so busy and full of distractions. It is challenging enough to live out your faith in this world that pulls us to and fro, without detracting from the simple, yet profound story of a baby born to a virgin in a stable. I don't care if my kids grow up hearing about elves and Santa Clause, after all, they do live on Planet Earth. I have, however, decided, that they won't be hearing about these things from me. I want to pass on to them the gift of the pure, unadulterated truth of the Gospel, and I have decided that I can do that more concisely without the help of Mr. Elf. I'm not slamming those of you who have an Elf hiding in your cookie jar, or under the bed. Not. At. All. If you can orchestrate elaborate elfish-ness on top of teaching the real story of Christmas, then you are a rock star, and better at this parenting thing than I am.
One of my favorite memories of this season so far is of my sweet, almost 3 year old boy praying for a homeless man that we passed on the street. He called him "orange man" in his prayer, because the man was wearing an orange hat, and he prayed that he would find a home. Granted, he did have some guidance to start the prayer, but I know his tender little heart is learning to care for others and notice those people that most others don't. I don't know of a greater gift a mommy could ask for.
I have been so blessed to be able to spend cherished time with many wonderful friends in the past few weeks, and I have been filled with joy and a true sense of wonder at the power of friendship. Truly another gift that I am very grateful for.
On top of that, I have weaned my baby from his pacifier. It was a painful experience for all involved, but the bulk of the trauma has dissipated. It was time, but of course, for me it was the last link to his babyhood. Now I officially have 2 amazing toddlers, the best gift I have been given so far.
So as we prepare for Christmas (It's in 7 days, folks!) let's bask in the glory of God's love by spending time with those we care about and take time to be aware of the multiple opportunities that God gives us everyday to draw us closer to him.
