She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. - Proverbs 31:15
Ironically, I finally sat down to read my reflection (which I was supposed to post last week) and learned that it was about "busyness." I didn't get to my post last week during the holiday week because I was just too busy... I'm sure that we were all saying that last week. It's amazing how quickly the holidays come and go. It's actually amazing how quickly each day comes and goes, which is why it's so important to stop and reflect on how we spend our busy days.
What keeps you busy each day? Work, kids, volunteer commitments, making dinner, household chores, prayer, church, talking with your husband... the list goes on. This week's reflection made me think about how I do spend my days. My husband and I make an effort to focus on Owen only for his last hour before bed and Owen loves it! Since doing this, I found that I don't blog as much, hardly update my photos online, have no idea what my friends are saying on facebook, and take weeks to return emails sometimes but I'm spending my time in, what I consider is the most important way, loving my son.
The reflection asks us to read Luke 10:38-42 where we see that Martha is so busy preparing for Jesus' visit that she needs a reminder from Him to be more like Mary... to sit at His feet and listen to Him. How often do we find ourselves so distracted in preparing for and entertaining visitors that we forget to enjoy them. The same is true with Christmas. How often we become distracted by the preparations for Jesus' birth that we forget to celebrate Him. We have a tradition in my parents home, to first wish baby Jesus' a Happy Birthday before opening any presents. What a treat it was this year to stop the busyness and hear my son say "Happy Birthday Jesus." Take a minute this week to evaluate what keeps you so busy and be sure that it focuses on honoring God and your family.
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Oh, Jennifer, I love the idea of spending the hour before bedtime focused only on Owen! Daryl and I tend to try to delegate…one of us cleans the kitchen while the other gives the bath. We go all day without seeing each other and then do things separately when we are finally home together! Thankfully, we put Parker to bed around 7:00 and can spend some time together…wait, we usually spend that time on the computer, watching tv separately, or reading alone. The only time we have together is in the car on the way to a million different things. Does this sound like your life?
ReplyDeleteI loved that the author stated how God loves busyness as long as it is of value. I have already started preparations for Christmas next year. I plan to make a list of the things that are most special to me…the Christmas Eve service at church, baking, taking Parker to see lights. I will list all the family gatherings that I need to take food to, all the people I want to buy gifts for, you get the picture. By taking some time to organize my Christmas now, I can see what I can do before the holiday rush. I can do much of my grocery shopping, gift buying, and card designing in November. I can even work on my card list now!
I just want to enjoy my Christmas better next year and spend my busyness on things that matter like Parker, Daryl, and my Savior. If I start focusing on them now, maybe it will be habit by next Christmas. Thanks, Jennifer! These do seem to be falling right into place with what is going on in our lives. God definitely has His hand in everything!