Sunlight poured through the wall of windows spilling a transparent glow into the living room.
I’d never have noticed it…that ethereal glow, if I hadn’t been taking pictures for this Christmas in the living room post. If I hadn’t been paying attention.
In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I miss a lot…especially those things that matter most.
And this was early December.
Now, it’s Christmas week and the fun has reached a fever pitch. Days and nights on end full of family and old friends tend to take emotions on a roller coaster ride.
As I I told you…I miss a lot during the holiday season.
This morning I got up before 4am. Mike and I tend to do that in December, maybe it’s the excited child in us. Or maybe it’s the weary adult, waking burdened over this family member or that friend…
We sit and do what we always do. Open the Bible and read, Mike on his iPad and me the old-school way. I find myself taking deep breaths and making an effort to slow my thoughts which are already coming at such a high rate of speed that I can’t keep up.
I must, I think, open my heart and make room for the Christ Child. Right here in the busiest week of the year, I absolutely have to focus on the miracle of miracles…God incarnate.
But my thoughts…my worries…my lists…. they stand guard over my mind like a grimacing nutcracker soldier, just daring me to ignore them.
Today, I give in instead of pressing in. Finishing quick, I jump up and leave Mike and the pups still snuggled in on the couch.
I start in the kitchen loading the dishwasher and packing up rummaged through gift bags from our big family party a couple of days before. The breakfast room table is still littered with crumbs and a flower centerpiece from the party. Giving the table a quick wipe-down, I grab the heavy dough bowl and switch out the centerpiece.
“You’re making me nervous” Mike said sighing.
Looking over at the sofa, he’s watching me, eyebrows raised, even the pups stare confused.
It’s only 5 AM and all this running around is taking my mind off of the very thing that matters most…
Of all the weeks in Advent, this is the one that tops off anticipation…
…the week that very nearly sings with hope and beckons creation to follow the wild star to the manger…
But it’s also the week that the holiday volume reaches a deafening crescendo. All the merry making can quickly turn into a noisy distraction.
So…what can I do to keep from missing what matters most during these last days before Christmas?
For starters, I’ve let go of what’s left of my to-do list. Never, in all my holiday seasons, have I been able to accomplish everything I wanted to do. And that’s ok.
Next I’m changing my Christmas music playlist for the remainder of the holiday, from Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire-type songs to my favorite Christmas Hymns.
And lastly, I’m deliberately taking time during the day to pause for a minute and thank God for being born into a hurting world and to ask for His mercy on specific individuals that weigh heavy on my heart this holiday season.
As you can see, I’m preaching to myself here, but if you have the sam issue, how do you keep your focus fixed on what matters most to you during this week before Christmas?
Sending love my friends xo
Mary says
December 21, 2016 at 8:50 amRobin,
I needed this post today. I, too, am so burdened for family members who are making bad choices, my mom who is in the hospital far away and I can’t be there with her because my daughter is having issues with her heart and I need to be here for her and her kids, friends that are ill, friends who just lost a loved one and will lay her to rest tomorrow. I could go on and on. It seems that the negatives far outweigh the positive! If it wasn’t for the Lord, I couldn’t deal with all the worries and sadness. My salvation is God, time with him in prayer and in His Word. My husband is a great encourager, thank God for him. My friends who are prayer warriors and are lifting me and my family in prayer daily, listening to uplifting worship music and at this time of year, of course the Christmas songs which speak of our dear Savior’s birth.
Thank you for this post! May you and yours have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
By the way, your home looks beautiful!
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:29 pmMary…thank you so much for sharing your heart with me my friend…I will be praying for you and your precious family in the coming days…Merry Christmas dear one. xo
Pinky says
December 21, 2016 at 10:47 amI am hurting for you Wish I could take away some of the hurt. You are strong, don’t forget that. Be kind to yourself. XO
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:27 pmSending love my sweet friend xo
Ivory says
December 21, 2016 at 10:48 amI love everything. You decorate so fabulously. Happy holidays!
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:27 pmoh thank you so much Ivory – Merry Christmas xo
Nancy says
December 21, 2016 at 1:55 pmFortunately or unfortunately my health keeps me starting slowly in the morning which gives me time to read my daily devotions. That and my prayer time is what gives me strength. But I’m probably your mom’s age and I don’t have as many commitments anymore. See! There is always hope. Someday this will happen for you too. In the meantime work hard at enjoying your time with the Lord in that precious early morning time.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:26 pmOh Nancy…I’ll absolutely take your wise counsel and enjoy my time with Jesus in the mornings…and I’ll say a prayer for you my friend- asking God to give you an easy morning and a Merry Christmas xo
Noreen says
December 21, 2016 at 6:33 pmDear Robin, Thank you for sharing your heart with us today and your home. It is easy to get caught up with worry over loved ones, but we must remember He sees our hearts and gives us the ultimate peace. May your days be overflowing with peace and joy and His glory.
Love your decorating too.
Noreen
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:24 pmNoreen…thank you for your good wishes my friend Merriest Christmas xo
Chrystal says
December 22, 2016 at 7:16 amRobin, your home looks so peaceful. When you can, sit back, enjoy the lights and music sounds of the season in your own cozy den. Blessings to you and your family. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Robin says
December 23, 2016 at 9:12 amChrystal
Thank you bunches my friend – and I’ll do just that xo
Merriest Christmas ~
Julie Garmon says
December 22, 2016 at 8:00 amLOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Right there with you.
Me.
Robin says
December 23, 2016 at 9:13 amIt’s comforting to have company in my search for focus Julie oxoxoxo love you
Gina says
December 22, 2016 at 11:47 amThanks for the reminder Robin. Our daughter and son-in-law are here so I’ve been pretty busy, but after our family party tonight it should ease up a bit. I am thankful for early mornings spent at Jesus’ feet. 🙂 Wishing you a very Merry Christmas in the midst of troubling circumstances.
Robin says
December 23, 2016 at 9:14 amGina…Hope your party was wonderful my friend…sending you love and wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year co
Gail Blair says
December 22, 2016 at 9:20 pmPerfect…just perfect
I love you
Robin says
December 23, 2016 at 9:15 amMiss you Auntie and love you so much- Merry Christmas xo
Julie K says
December 22, 2016 at 11:34 pmI had the same problem today. As I was in the middle of reading my daily devotion, I was lost in thought, thinking about Christmas baking. I would catch myself time and again. Thanks for the reminder, Robin. Sometimes it takes a little nudge to get back on track.
Blessings, friend!
Robin says
December 23, 2016 at 9:17 amJulie…it’s like anything worthwhile, it takes work and practice…sending love my friend & Merry Christmas xo