End of November, and the Beginning of the End (of 2020)

Well, November brought cooler weather, a Thanksgiving feast, and....COVID 19 to the Mayans house. 

It seems that most of my extended family have tested positive for the "Rona": both of my brothers, my sister-in-law, my mom, and my dad.  Luckily, we somehow managed to avoid it at our house. Andrew just tested for it today, and the test came back negative. The girls and I are as healthy as can be. I hope everyone is able to quickly recover from it. So far, it has only plagued my brothers for a few days before disappearing, but of course they will still have to quarantine themselves for the recommended 2 week period. 

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So now is the start of December and I am working hard to not let the Corona Virus put a damper on my holiday spirit. Grace, Madelyn, and I just set up our Christmas tree. It has some ribbon, garland, and some extra flowers and greenery, but as of right now we haven't added the bulbs or other decorative ornaments. But even only partially completed, it brings such a bright spirit to our home.

When we had finished decorating it, I told Grace, "The Christmas tree will help us remember that this is a time to celebrate Jesus' birth."

To that, she quickly found her Baby Jesus from the Little People nativity set and said, "I want to show Baby Jesus the tree." She held him up to see the beautiful lights, and i was warmed with her innocent and sincere desire to show Jesus her work.

​I love seeing Christmas through my little 2-year-old's eyes. Every time she sees Christmas lights as we drive or a Christmas tree as we walk through Costco, she squeals with glee. It is so fun! Tonight I caught a picture of Grace and Andrew snuggling on the couch by the tree. it's moments like that where I am reminded of the importance to capture the small, simple moments of the season rather than be too bombarded with the fluff that the world throws onto the Christmas holiday. 

This year (like the last few years), the church has put out a "Light the World" invitation. Every day they post and invitation for how each person can serve and bring some light.

Today the invitation was to post a picture or description of something that brings peace to your life.

​Here is my response:
I find peace in putting Madelyn to bed. I love, love, LOVE rocking her and having her fall asleep in my arms. She is getting to be such a big girl, but during those few minutes before I lay her down in her crib, I am able to savor how little she still is. I love being a mother. It is really tough, and overwhelming, and exhausting sometimes. But the tender love I feel for my daughters is .... is there even an adequate work for it? Wonderful. Tender. Holy. Inspiring. I am grateful for an invitation to find the quiet moments that strengthen my soul while living in this chaotic world.