The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, on them has the light shined.
I was inspired. So I went out to the front garden this afternoon with my shears and cut a bunch of greenery off the bushes. I stuck it all around my little metal wreath which is just sitting on a dinner plate. The pine cones the girls and I picked up on this morning’s after-breakfast walk. I think it came out looking rather nice. Holly and azalea and whatever the heck that feathery evergreen is called.
It’s not fancy. It may not last. But I can always go get some more branches where those came from.
And the best thing was Bella’s exclamation when she got up from her nap. A long gasp: “Oooooh!” Ah the wonder of Advent! There is something so magical about something as simple as a green wreath and a lit candle.
We also had a wonderful reading binge this afternoon as Dom pulled the box of Christmas books down from the attic along with the wreath and the creche. Oh Bella was thrilled with rediscovering all her favorite book friends. And Sophie was excited to be making their acquaintance too. I am so glad I put them all away so that they are wonderfully new.
I lost my temper pretty bad two days ago. So bad it took me quite a while to not despite myself. In fact, I’m still working on it. But I keep trying to remind myself that not losing my temper takes 3 Ps: Prayer! Perspective! and Practice! (You could say 4 Ps, but since Patience is the goal it doesn’t seem like it should be in the method.)
When you are tired it is so much easier to lose one’s temper. Keep up the good attitude! You are a wonderful mother and are doing so much good for your children. God Bless you.
Loved this, Melanie. In one post you took me back to when my children were very small and very needy. Enhale the moment, dear! Because you can’t bottle it. 🙁
You are learning these things much earlier in your children’s lives than I did. This will be so very beneficial to your children as they grow into teens. Submission is the key, so the grace can flow. It took me way too many years of trying to do it alone and gut it out. “A crushed and humbled heart God will not despise.” This is one of my consolations regarding the crushed and humbled heart I am constantly struggling with now!
Could it be that Baby Blessing #4 is on his/her way?????
I could have written your prayer of surrender myself, that’s exactly where I am right now. Thank you so much for this post!
OMG “And graces are falling at my feet like little love notes.” so pretty!
Also, yay for nice husbands and fortuitous lattes!