A Lesson Learn(ing): This Work is Worth It
It’s easy as a mother this time of year to start having a bit of a pity party about the holidays.
“I’ve got so much to do.”
“You mean, I’m supposed to bake something else?”
“I buy for everyone in both of our families…you only have to buy for me” (something I’m embarrassed to admit I recently said to my husband in such a pity party).
“I stayed up until two in the morning wrapping presents, thank you very much.”
“You mean, we’re spending 20 hours in the car over a 3-day period to see extended family???”
After all, it feels like the weight of the world (or at least the Christmas To-Do List) is on our shoulders.
These are memories we’re making and traditions we’re upholding, people. We don’t take this stuff lightly.
Perhaps I’m the only one who feels this way, but I would venture to guess I’m not alone…
But during this time of busyness, let us not lose sight of the fact that our children, our families, and most definitely our God are worth the work. We go to great lengths to see family, to bake, to make memories, to tell (and retell) the birth of Christ…and sometimes we get so caught up in the materialism or busyness of Christmas that we forget that this is good work, not something to be dreaded.
After all, God himself is the one who instituted festivals, feasts, and celebrations! Just read the book of Leviticus! These “celebrations” are to be tangible representations of our God.
It’s okay to have a to-do list a mile long…it’s okay to stay up until one in the morning.
This work is worth it.
We are celebrating the birth of our Savior, after all! What could call for more of a celebration than that??? And somebody’s gotta get this party ready!
Thanks for sharing! I was feeling guilty for not wanting or willing to drive 3,5 hours to see family with 2 year old twins when everyone else is retired and can make the trip a whole lot easier than it would be for us. This was a great reminder that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and to not lose focus on His Celebration!!! It was also a great reminder that ‘giving’ doesn’t always mean we have to do everything so that everyone else is happy. :) Merry Christmas!!!
Last week I was feeling a bit “bah-humbug” as I was getting worn down going non-stop (and thinking how much more fun Christmas was when MY Mom did all the work!). But I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to do these things for my family so that they have the same memories I have.
I so needed to read this today! Thanks!!
Wonderful post! I always love when people are honest so that everyone else looking in from the outside sees the real deal. If they only see the fake you I feel like it makes other people want to measure up to that perfect version. If people were more honest there would be lots less anxiety and depression out there! Hope that made sense :)
I know this isn’t the point – but I’m really glad to hear I’m not the only one who has to buy for everyone on both sides of the family. I don’t mind it with mine, but its hard to do for my husband’s.
In his defense, I will say – he is helpful with ideas for his mom and sister, and so I should probably just enjoy my time shopping. :)
We definitely can get to busy to remember what the season is all about – thanks for the reminder!
Love it! This work IS worth it!
Drives me crazy to listen to other mom’s complain about this time of year. I often have to bite my tongue from saying, If it’s so much of a pain then why do you do it? If you don’t like the tradition, then change it to something you DO like! That’s one of the blessings of parenthood; deciding your own traditions. :)
Well said! And the busyness is easier to handle if you think of it as a gift for the Savior.
Thank you SO much. You have no idea how much I needed these words.
Thank you for this! I love your comment about it begin OK to stay up til 1am to get the celebration ready! I love celebrating but had been wondering if I should have been thinking more about the sacrifice it was for God to leave heaven and come take on the flesh for our sake. Was I more interested in celebrating than being humbled by his sacrifice? But then I remembered how God COMMANDED the Israelites to celebrate all sorts of festivals so they would NOT FORGET the amazing things they had seen God do. Celebrating WILL humble me because it will remind me of his sacrifice. Your post came right on the heals of that pondering and I am so encouraged to hear God speak to me about it again today. Thanks! Let’s party people!!!!