Today

One day at a time...

When you read that, do you think of a spiritual, a 70s sitcom, or something else?

If I'm answering my own question, I'd say, "It depends on my mood." But the phrase itself is a good one to remember.

One of our Pastors recently spoke to our MOPS group about the Advent season, about being present in the "now" and not focusing only on the past or the future. It gave most, if not all, of us a refreshed sense of calm in this chaotic season. To follow up on it, at our most recent meeting, one of the moms gave each of us a magnet that said, "Today". And you know what? It's really working as a tremendous reminder to people to focus on today. It's helping us to not be overwhelmed by a "to do" list that might feel too big to handle.

I confess to feeling the crunch right now. Not enough time. Not enough money. Not enough of me to go around. And who took patient Stacey and left the snappish me in it's place?! I was thinking about all the cookies I needed to bake and the shopping I wanted to do and the gifts I wish I had thought about sooner and I saw that magnet on my fridge and said a silent "Thank you, " to Julie the magnet maker.

You see, in addition to remembering to focus on today...I also thought about the good things I did today, not just all the things I hadn't gotten to yet. It's easy to look at the "To Do" list and focus on the things I haven't yet crossed off. It's better to read between the lines and remember what I did today that wasn't on that list but was infinitely more important. The stories read, the snuggles given, the games played.

Yes, there is a lot of prep to do to get ready for Christmas. Yes, if I make a plan and stick to it (whether it be the budget or when to start baking) it will make the season go more smoothly. Yes, I want my kids to look back and remember the joy of the season.

I just want to be sure to keep my priorities straight, so that as I prepare to celebrate the birth of the most precious gift I don't forget to love on and enjoy the precious gifts God has blessed me with.

-Wishing you peace and blessings today...end every day.