Joyful Preparation

While most people were either sleeping in or shopping for the latest prized gadget or electronic, we found ourselves having a different experience Black Friday. The first and perhaps last Black Friday shopping for my husband, unless Menards can prove otherwise. Really it wasn’t painful, just way more traffic, people and lines than I would otherwise care to experience, especially when there are still 20 days to get my shopping done.

Our morning was filled with picking out bunk beds and testing out a few mattresses to find the perfect comfort level. We also found ourselves assessing the left over space to room ratio. Determining whether it would permit for a dresser large enough to hold apparel for two little boys.

A sneak peak of the room in progress!

With all that needs to be done in preparation, the past couple of weeks have been filled with a bit of stress and a little anxiety. I would be lying if I said otherwise. In the hustle and bustle, the to do list and scrambling, there is found joy. Although, some days the list doesn’t seem to shrink the preparation is filled with excitement, hope and great JOY!

I believe nothing is a coincidence. Our preparation for the arrival of our boys parallels the Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Christ child. Advent is a time of waiting, preparation and joyful anticipation. And so we are. I can’t think of a moment in my life where those feelings have been so prevalent as they are now. In our own waiting, own preparation and own joyful anticipation.

With all the preparation, my Christmas shopping has fallen behind, along with the decorating and more unlikely my Christmas cards as well! (This is my apology for those who won’t get one this year.) I have found myself striving to live in the moment, allow my heart and mind to quiet and not fret too much over what is left undone. Even knowing our bunk beds may not arrive until after we are already gone. Our boys will still come and so will Christmas!