It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Christmas is my favorite time of year.  It is also the most stressful.  I know I am not telling you anything you don't already know.  But I think it helps me to just put it out there; acknowledge the craziness.  Adding birthdays, a new niece, anniversaries and family in from out of town, this December is more than a little hectic. 

Yet in the midst of the madness, I find myself not feeling exhausted, but exhilarated!  I love the hustle and bustle.  I love the mall and crowds.   I love the electricity in the atmosphere. 

At the same time, I also cherish the quiet moments in the living room sitting in front of our Christmas tree.  It is so peaceful to snuggle up on the couch with my family and just "be" for a moment.  Strangely, it always seems so much easier to do this during the holidays, when days are short and schedules are full. 

Maybe because we make time for it. 

Maybe because we want our children to have great memories.

Maybe because we want to cling to this time of year because we know January is just around the corner and life will be back to normal.

Maybe because it is in the quiet that we stop thinking about the gifts we need to buy and the parties we need to attend and focus on the true reason for the holidays.

Hope.

Love.

A fulfilled promise.

The Savior.

This Christmas I choose to allow more time to just "be."  Be present.  Be grateful.  Be intentional.  Be the hands and feet of Christ to everyone around me. 

But I want this to last longer than December 31.  I want this to last throughout the year.  Every year. 

May this Christmas we cherish the gift of rest and peace found in Jesus, and make the choice to carry it through the year.  So when mid-summer rolls around and our days are packed with summer activities, remind yourself to just "be."