Mom vs. the Dot: Making it COUNT!

Every year I try really, really hard to get as much done as I possibly can so the week before Christmas is stress-free and lots of fa-la-la-la fun! Every year, I find myself running around like a crazy lady getting last-minute things done and tending to crazy surprises that have popped up to add the the chaos. I had all my big gift shopping done just after Thanksgiving.  I ordered supplies for our church Christmas events at the beginning of December.  So I thought I had everything under control.  Not so, lady.  Not by a long shot. So here I was, today, sweating bullets for my Oriental Trading box to arrive because the party is tomorrow night is the church Christmas party and this momma has got to get Santa's gift bags together and delivered to the church.  My mother-in-law came to watch the kids so I could run to three different towns to do some last-minute errands.  I'm so thankful for her! My husband has been in his own Christmas season rush...

While washing my dishes this afternoon, thinking how little energy I had left to do anything and how much more I have to do before Christmas hits, I was gently reminded me of something Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 The world tells me to rush here and there, getting everything done , and Jesus tells me to slow down and rest.   I think I'll take Jesus' advice today.   I encourage you to do the same! For a busy mom, this may mean leaving the dishes and laundry until tomorrow.  It may mean crossing "Christmas cards" off the to-do list this year.  It may mean bowing out of a Christmas party or two.   Which will mean time to snuggle up with your little ones, talk with your spouse, and look fo...