My not so perfect holiday week

Last night I shared this post and wrote about all the good things we've gotten to do this December. I mostly wrote that post to remind myself that we did actually have some highlights this month. But this morning as I was praying in the shower - the first shower I've gotten to take since Saturday! - I felt like I wanted to share some of my not so perfect week, too. My intention isn't at all to complain, but to be real for the mom that read my last post and thought "Oh man, their month looks so perfect."

Our week has not been perfect. It's been rough. Eva has been sick with some internal issues - don't worry family, I promise it is nothing you can catch! - so we have spent most of this week, this week that is supposed to be awesome, helping her feel better and lying around. I desperately wanted to "embrace" this advent week and fill it with meaningful activites. I guess patiently helping my four year old is meaningful, but it has been rough.

This morning started off in the wee early hours with a certain someone coming in our room to say that she had accidentally peed all over her bedroom floor. It really was not her fault, we had needed her to drink a lot right before bed, but it was not a pleasant way to start the day. Then throughout the rest of the morning everyone except for Ryan has ended up in tears. Yeah, tears. I was sitting in our bathroom earlier crying about all the things that I want to get done, and all the ways I want to be worshiping God this week, and asking God to show me truth about Christmas, and how in the world I can keep seeking joy in the midst of a very not perfect morning. Then God reminded me about Jesus. Immanuel. God WITH US. If Jesus had not been born on Christmas, there would be no GOD WITH US. And woah, I definitely need God with me. Like every moment of every day. So that is what my heart is celebrating this morning. Not the picture perfect moments, but God with us. God with me. I have much to be thankful for. Even on the hard days God shows me hidden blessings. Things like a husband who calls back after he left in the middle of chaos, and a mother in-law who checks to make sure I have some good gluten free food to eat, and a warm shower with a fresh bottle of shampoo. And the best is that he is with me through all my imperfect.

If your kids are sick, or you are hurting, or you burnt your Christmas meal, or your house is still a mess, or there are presents left to be wrapped, seek HIM. Seek the one who the season should be about. And thank the Lord that He is still with us today. Merry Christmas! Pray that we receive a more "silent night" tonight.