It's the most wonderful time of the year

Today it is raining, there is finally a chill in the air, and there is pumpkin flavored everything! It is officially my favorite time of the year! I love tradition and I have always had an exact idea of what I think each holiday should look like. I love having all of my family together, drinking hot chocolate, and decorating the Christmas tree. Many of my traditions came crashing down when I got divorced. Suddenly holidays with my kids happen every other year. I learned why this time of year can be so hard for some of us. I have also learned to let go. I have had to let go of my own expectations, open my heart to what God has for me, and give up control.

I am now able to experience the joy God has for us. Now when November arrives I am excited and expectant for what will come. I can praise God when I have all the kids together on December 26th and that's okay. I can be grateful that my children have so many people that love them and that want to spend time with them. I can also celebrate when it is my turn regardless of the date on the calendar. 

It is funny when we realize that as hard as we might try to give our kids memories, they remember something else. I would work so hard on all the gifts and a big meal, but what all three boys remember is the breakfast. For something easy in the morning, I would make "monkey bread". My kids refer to it as Christmas morning bread. What I did to keep things simple became a special memory for my family.

My prayer for you is that you embrace the moments as they come and find the joy that only comes from the Love of God. Today I will be grateful for the cool breeze, my boots, and a pumpkin spice latte in the new red cups!