Christmas Countdown

Well, it is finally here, the last 3 weeks before Christmas. Thanksgiving passed with a flash and now the pressure is on to get the best deals before they all disappear! I was listening to KLRC this morning (our local Christian music station) and they had a guest speaker on who is the author of "Little House by the Highway". It caught my attention because he was talking about families in a hurry, too afraid to slow down. He gave some examples as I listened trying to analyze my own family. I don't have anything profound to add, I think we can all identify with this lifestyle at some point in our day, week or year. But, it did reassure me that it is ok not to be involved in all the children's sports programs, dance classes, school activities and plays. It is ok to just be still and cherish the time we have with our kids. I have often felt bad that I haven't put Emily in some type of sport or extracurricular activity or that I don't take her to every school function. I have resisted it because I am afraid of developing the habit of rush, rush, rush. Everytime we overcommit, it brings a stress that I am not comfortable with, and then that thing (whatever it is we are committing too) becomes a burden and not a joy. It's ok to say "no" to people, even our Church family if it allows rest and peace for your family. We are far from acheiving this great balance, but I do long for it and hope that I will not get caught up in the maddness too often. I'm no expert, but I can say for certain that our children will remember the "moments" so much more than the gifts and toys. Maybe just maybe writing this down for more than my eyes to see, will hold me accountable to practice what I am preaching :)