Love Compels Us
I’m sitting here reflecting on ‘Christmas Past’, which officially came to a close today at 2:30 pm when the dry, tired tree was tossed out on the front porch and all the needles vacuumed off the carpet. Being the first Christmas season in history when I lived in a different state, over 12 hours drive away from my 5 grown children (Our 3 oldest sons, our darling Melissa who is married to our oldest, and our dear ‘adopted’ South African daughter, Cindy.) Well, when they all decided to spend their hard-earned money to purchase relatively pricey tickets to come be with Momma and Daddy, my wheels began to turn. It had to be right. Not perfect (never perfect, as much as we all like the idea), but homey and delicious and comfortable. (If you’re a mom, I know you’re feelin’ this.) A time when they could totally chill from the daily pressures of life, work and ministry responsibilities back home in Seattle. To refresh, refuel and rest. I went to work. "What to cook? Costco, Trader Joes, here I come. Where to sleep all 8 of us comfortably in just about 2000 square feet? Hmm…we’ll need another airbed (Aeros are amazing!) and some fresh pillows and I’ll have to count our blankets. What to do while they’re here, without too frantic a schedule? Bowling might be fun. Daddy could read to us again. A puzzle has to be on the table. What mind-blowing, affordable stocking stuffers for 07? Where ever did I put the sugar cookie recipe????" I LOVE THIS MOM STUFF!!! (to be continued)