I received so many wonderful and greatly wanted/needed gifts for Christmas: professional quality muffin tins from Julia, a bedskirt for our bed from Daniel (yes, this is what I really wanted-- I guess I'm too practical/home-centered to want things like jewelry or special trips, etc!), a
huge ceramic water pitcher from my in-laws, music books for lots of fun with the kids from my parents, and on and on it goes.
But I got one special, special gift from my big sister that you will often find me staring at, especially on those days when I think I just want to throw the towel in and let everybody figure out what they're going to eat, where they're going to sleep, how they're going to get dressed, and when they should go to the bathroom
on their own.
It's not just that it's adorably wonderful. It's not just that it represents my own darling family--
us, captured as we are right now. It's not just that it was
handmade, a special order with us in mind. It's that sometimes, some days, it's just what I need to look at to remember
how blessed I am.
I'm blessed to have five little people running around my feet.
I'm blessed to have a husband who takes an amazingly active role in our children's lives, in my life, and in our home.
I'm blessed to have pretty things to look at and a cozy house to put them in.
I'm blessed to have extended family, like my sister, who love all of us
so much.
I'm blessed that all of this comes from a Father who gives me heaps and heaps more than I deserve.
And, somehow, in a very calming and reassuring way, this little gift of miniature people helps me-- in a glance (or a long look, if need be!)-- remember all that I've been given, and how I have a great big God Who is watching over us all.