Overwhelmed

Do you ever just feel overwhelmed in your life sometimes? I do. In the months leading up to Christmas I started sliding into feeling that way. I think a lot of people feel this way around Christmas and call it the " Ba Humbug's". Well I had them this year and I am disappointed in myself for feeling this way.

I don't know exactly when I started to feel this way but I can look back now and see it was nothing specific that happened to cause it. I didn't want to decorate for Christmas this year. I got the tree up because I knew it was important for the kids, but I didn't even but the angel on top or the skirt underneath. It sat like that for 4 days before my husband kicked my butt to get me in gear. I then gave a half hearted attempt at decorating because he was outside decorating. Since we moved in the back woods 4 years ago we have NEVER decorated outside so I know he was doing this just for ME.

I LOVE HIM FOR THIS!!!

Christmas got closer and as it did I started hearing just how many people I knew were having hard times. I had friends loose their job. I had other friends that had their pay cut. I had friends with loved ones that passed away. I had friends that were sick. We had a board at church that had so many needs for Christmas that I was overwhelmed just standing in front of it deciding which gift tag to pull. I was constantly in prayer about all of these things.

David and I started praying about what we could do to help those in need. Even though we are far from "in good shape" ourselves. We decided to cut our Christmas budget for our family dramatically.We found creative was to provide for our kids. We took that money and helped a few people that we knew were in need. I thought my children would be disappointed on Christmas morning because of the lack of gifts they were use to. To my surprise I think it was the best Christmas in a long time. My kids never cease to amaze me. They were so excited about what they got. The biggest hit was by far were pictures that I framed or made into a collage from the sports the boys had played last year. They even asked to have one made every year for every sport they play. I was so worried for absolutely no reason. GOD provided exactly what we needed. I felt so blessed.

So next year I have made a vow to keep Christmas simple. I will have so much less stress and "mommy guilt" if I just remember that God will provide exactly what we need and we will be thankful for it all. Now next year if you see me stressing just remind me it will all be just fine. LOL!!