12.02.2008

un-orchestrated


Is it just me or do others become obsessed with the task of making the holidays special, memorable, God-centered? Okay, okay...that was a rhetorical question. I know the answer. However, something happened the other day that made me relax a bit...

It was last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and we were just hanging out at home as a family. And then it it started snowing--the first snow of the year! Oh, it was magical! We usually have snow earlier than this so it was much anticipated and the boys were watching with wide eyes as the flakes covered the ground. I can't remember who said it first, but Joel and I were in agreement...we just had to put up the tree!

Typically, I would want everything to be at least semi-orderly, and would put a lot of effort into making the whole decorating process really special and memorable. But without any preparation at all, it just happened....the magic! You know, the magic:)
With Christmas music in the background, we tripped over boxes of ornaments and small children to get our little tree set up, lit, and decorated. We all ate peppermint sticks and everyone was allowed to hang ornaments. Then, as the decorative moss went flying everywhere, we brought the nativity scene out of the box and the boys had fun playing flying angel-guy.
No, our tree doesn't look perfect, and yes we had a few ornament casualties and sticky, peppermint fingerprints were everywhere....but it was perfect! It was festive, it was memorable, and we even had good conversation about how baby Jesus could be bigger and better than a super-hero.

I guess I just realized that the "moments" I strive and hope for during the holidays often cannot be orchestrated. My new hope for the weeks ahead is that we are flexible as a family and make time for those un-orchestrated Christmas moments to happen...


9 comments:

The Boggs Family said...

Ahh, I totally agree! Love that you just enjoyed the moment & within that, a memory like what you described was created. Doesn't it make you wonder how often God presents those "un-orchestrated" moments in our lives and how often we try to plan and coordinate and in turn, miss, the beauty of what He has sitting in the midst of our daily lives? :) Hey, did you guys get a new couch? I thought yours was green, though it could just be the lighting. Your tree looks awesome & I'm so glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving weekend. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Do you watch kids every morning of the week? Maybe there's a morning we can coordinate with Tara, and all three get together for coffee with our kids?

jenny said...

We got your Christmas card in the mail today--so cute! I love Griffin's little dimple.

I have to admit--I'm one of those planners. :( You probably think, "Oh brother!" when you read my blog. The thing is, if I don't plan it, it doesn't get done. It's becoming harder for me to be spontaneous with 4 littles underfoot. Any spur-of-the-moment trip out of the house still requires trips to the potty before leaving, shoes, socks, coats, diaper bag and maybe snacks.

Andi Mae said...

You are so awesome, Amy! Always inspiring me to let go and relax and let the moments just happen, instead of stressing about creating them! I love you, dear sister :)

Julie said...

So sweet... so true! I can't believe how big Griffin is getting! Merry Christmas to all of you!
Julie

Gina said...

thats sooo cool!and inspiring. I am almost opposite when it comes to holidays here. sometimes I just want to let them pass and pretend they dont éxist. My kids were sick on thanksgiving, so we ordered mexican! after seeing your post i decided we will pull out the tree and decorate this weekend. Win will be into it this year :) thanks for being so enthused about christmas. its catchy!

Sarah said...

amen sister! I'm with you! We're only setting ourselves up for disappointment when we try to hard to make things happen a certoin way.

S.L.P said...

That's beautiful! We've had the Jesus is the best super hero talk before. We perspired while we put up the tree her in Texas;o) I found you through MckMama! Where can I find those peppermint sticks?

Liz Ferguson said...

Beautiful post! This is something I need to work on. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog just randomly searching army lives. And I have to say that I love this post. Very heart warming!

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