It’s definitely getting closer, the excitement levels are rising, our oldest asked tonight, should we get the stockings out now, just in case, so they are ready? After a marathon couple of days of trips out, theatre and parties, today was slightly calmer and as a result he’s wide awake at 9pm! Hopefully on Christmas Eve he might be tired? Who am I trying to kid..!
For me Christmas has always been a great time of year, I am rubbish at remembering birthdays, but as I have all year to remember Jesus’s big day, it helps me stay focused! I love the decorations the special treats, the food, the get togethers with family and friends and sharing presents and time together. This year we are having a few firsts.. first time in Mum and Dad’s new house, first time my brother will be spending it with his lovely wife, first time our youngest really knows what is happening, she is 2 and asked me today quite seriously if we have a carrot, sherry and mincepie ready for Father Christmas. It’s also the first year our oldest has been able to write a sign saying “Santa Stop Hir”
I am feeling much better this year, I feel like I am remembering who I am again, after being a mum has sent me into a bit of a hiatus, and the Springboard course I’ve been on has really helped me get back in touch with what matters to me and find my way. It’s only small changes really, like having 5 minutes to myself, and not feeling guilty, or reading more books.. (even though I forgot to turn up to the first bookclub, at least I’ve joined one!), but it all adds up. I’ve remembered I used to like myself, before I set up an impossible list of things I had to achieve as a mum! I’m spending less time worrying about my kids and my marriage, and more time getting on with what needs doing, and planning time for us as a family together.
In the new year we are continuing with Inspire at St Paul’s. The first one is taking place on Jan 21st (Tues at 7.30pm) and one of our lovely leading ladies is talking about identity and we are going to try and get all arts and crafty, so I am looking forward to that. The idea has come from the website http://www.storyofmum.com (Bad Mummy Bingo is my favourite on that site!)
I know its controversial to segregate men and women, at the moment, the Muslim students are coming in for criticism about this, but the sessions I’ve attended this year either at work or at church which have been positively crafted for women have been really helpful. I am delighted that through this process some of the ladies I know are considering stepping out in leadership roles, which will make the church a more equitable place in the longer run.
For 2014 I am going to try and be a bit more like Mary, and appreciate the precious gifts I’ve got with my lovely family, my faith in God and fantastic friends, instead of worrying constantly about what I may be doing wrong! As Mary prepare for Jesus’s birth, she sang a song, which explains how she feels about this special time in her life.. from Luke Chapter 1 v47-54…
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
inspiredinyork 