Holidays are filled with fun, but also stress. When our children were young, our home was loud, teeming with antics, opinions, laughter, and of course, lots of expectations from my children — the food, the traditions, movies, tea times, time alone "just to talk" amidst so much cooking, washing dishes, the stress of different personalities.
So many times, I would have such high expectations. And so many times, fusses would spoil the moment, or burned rolls that I had spent so much time making and then forgot the timer, or adding family members and friends who did not get along.
There is so much potential for happiness and good memories, and also stress when the larger family comes together. Or when the toddlers just want attention and to be fed, now! Or teens who are moody. You get the picture! All normal seasons of life.
This Thanksgiving, give your children the gift of a Spirit-filled mom. One who is committed to offering love, gentleness, patience, joy, faithfulness, self-control.
Each moment, as we make the choice to "clothe" ourselves with the Spirit who lives within us, we will have a holiday worth remembering because we will be bringing His life, our source of all light and strength, to reflect everywhere we go, and all in our lives need and will be blessed by His love through us.
I am thankful for you, my friends. May you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.