From Grinch to Merry Christmas

I don't know anyone who doesn't have moments of "Grinch-ness" this time of year. We have so many more things to do, so much shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, traveling. It's all for a wonderful cause, but it is still easy to get overwhelmed and the Grinch takes over.

I have done much more this week than usual, and most of it has gone smoothly and though I went to bed tired every night, I was pleased at my accomplishments. But today, when we started on our adventure for the day, I was disappointed because my son was too ill to go with us. It had been his idea in the first place, and I know he was really feeling badly to decide to stay home. Then my husband didn't like the route I took and the weather was suddenly becoming a challenge. In no time, I was wallowing in disappointment and feeling sorry for myself (now, does that make sense? I'm not even sick!). My joy was gone.

But we arrived at our destination, parked and started on the long walk inside. It was cold and the wind was fierce, but all around us children danced along having already been through the amazing display of ice sculptures or in anticipation. Despite the crowds, things moved along well and soon we were surrounded by ice. As we went through the display, I first realized it was far too cold for my son to have had any business being there, so his staying home was a good thing. Then I realized that I was still having a good time even though things had not gone exactly as I had hoped they would.

And then, we entered the last room.

Just like the Grinch, I had a change of heart.

All the long hours of this week, the time spent in long lines at the few stores I went into this week, the exhaustion, and the chaos within myself were suddenly acceptable.

The peace I let fall away returned, and I was joyful again. I remembered how grateful I am for the blessings I have in my life. I remembered how much I appreciate the gifts from friends - especially those that are a sacrifice of time and effort. I remembered that my attitude is a reflection of my heart. Since the Son of God lives in my heart, I need to allow the reflection to be of Him - not my own attitudes.

And what about the Grinch made these changes in my thoughts and attitudes? Not a thing. Instead, when we entered the last room, this is what I saw.

And this. The reminder of what this season is all about.

I caught myself trying to do more than I should have been doing as a part of the busyness of the season and not enough about what it is all about. Seeing the life-size ice sculptures was a beautiful way to take myself back to the humble stable and the birth of the Child Who would one day be my Savior.

And as we left there, the beginnings of a very rare White Christmas were evident. The snow increased as we drove home and we will wake up in the morning to the unusual sight and experience of snow. We got home to find my son feeling better - not well, but definitely improved. I'm glad he did the wise things and stayed home. I shared my photos with him and we had a pleasant afternoon and evening.

And I thank my Lord that "He came all this way, all the way from glory to give abundant life. It's hard to imagine from heaven's throne; He came all this way to make my heart His home." And tomorrow, I will spend my day rejoicing in the birth of a tiny Child Who grew up and died for my sake.

The Grinch is gone and instead I wish for all, MERRY CHRISTMAS! May the Peace promised by the angels the night Christ was born fill your heart, even when things are overwhelming and life is not going smoothly, because that peace is inside and allows us to face the difficulties with the joy of the shepherds when they heard the first noel that first Christmas morning. And may your Christmas Day be filled with family, fun and happiness.