A Juggling Act

Do you feel like this Santa?  Too many things to 'carry' right now?  What happened to plans for a simpler holiday season?  Things happen and plans don't always go the way we think they will - but, no matter what - Christmas will come (soon!) and we will look back and talk about how much we enjoyed every minute of it.  I have no doubt!

We're busy at our house - juggling schedules and holiday plans and things that have nothing to do with the holidays but everything to do with everyday life at home.  Some have asked about our daughter and her children.  They have moved from our home and we are busily putting things back into the rooms we emptied for their things when they moved in a few months ago.  It's strange to see our rooms as they come together, as they were before.  My sweetheart and I laughed as we observed how 'big' our bedroom seems now that we've taken the whole wall of office out and put it back into the room across the hall.  Our home always seemed so small to me - until now.  But as we put things back, it seems much bigger - and quieter!  Oh, so quiet without the sounds of children and the schedule of a family of five added to ours.  But, they live just a few blocks away and we see them often.  Coming to grandma and grandpa's home is something special once again.  Now they come just to see us!  And the hugs we get (and give) are even more special than ever before.

So, my friends, in the busy-ness of the season, don't forget the things that are most important.  The love of those dear to you - laughter and smiles (even when the load you carry seems heavy) - and, most of all, the love of our Heavenly Father for each of us.  Reach out and touch someone's life with a special something during this holiday season.  You never know when a word or two, a gesture of kindness and friendship or a hug could be just the thing they need.  At that very moment!

(This cute, little Santa was seen a shop at the Oregon Coast when we sneaked away for a day last month.)