Thursday, December 5, 2013

Dear God,

Preparing for Advent is one thing.  Studying the heart, adjusting attitudes, and opening one's soul to the movement of your spirit is one of the most important seasonal moves I make all year long.  But getting ready for an entire weekend with seven grandchildren ages six to thirteen is another.  Planning activities that keep us all engaged,purchasing tickets for Christmas programs, laying out eight sleeping bags, twelve pillows, and several fleece blankets, purchasing food and figuring how we will eat it (floor picnic, candlelight meal, or eat-as-you-are ready), putting up a real Christmas tree and hanging all their favorite frosty ornaments, deciding which mission project we will participate in, getting my house cleaned, and putting together little surprises that will delight is real work.  I know I have to keep things moving so there is no sibling conflict or cousin rivalry. I have to make sure I am healthy, energetic, joyous, and filled with your spirit so I can lead us to memories that will keep for a long, long time.

I am blessed.  How many grandmas get to spend that kind of time with their beloved grandchildren?  How many grandchildren will actually put on silly Christmas hats and sing to the top of their lungs sometimes with the windows rolled down in the car?  How many grandkids even want to spend quality time with their old relatives?

I figure preparing for Advent and preparing for a weekend with grandchildren are the same.  I have to get ready.  I have to work.  I have to adjust myself.  I have to jump into the spiritual throe to get what you want. I have to rely on you for power, energy, and direction.  I have to ride the wave of heaven's love so your blessing comes, not just my own.

Eternal Father,
thank you
for earthly blessings
that bind us together.
Thank you
for opportunities
that mould
and make us.
Thank you
for invitations
to change
and be transformed.
Thank you
most of all
for your
wondrous spirit.

Love, Andrea