Paying it Forward...

It is December 1st, the start of the busiest month of the year.  I knew it was coming as I always do, but it wasn't until I received our first Christmas card, a few days ago, that I instantly felt the pressure come over me.   All last week I was feeling grumpy too and I didn't know why.  

There were even days when it rubbed off on the twins.    I sat down last night, after a very busy week getting ready for Christmas (decorating, ordering cards, buying gifts) and took a moment to read my email.  I found I had an invitation there to read my friend, Elizabeth's Facebook profile.  Until last week, Facebook was something every person seemed to know about, but me.  I signed up, clicked on some familiar faces to let them know I was there and I'm so glad I did!   (Thanks, Elizabeth!).

Then, my friend, Kim, posted a note on my "wall" and after I read her sweet words, I scrolled down and took a look at the funny pictures she posted from her Photo Booth.  I cracked up!  They were hilarious!  The kids came in to see what I was laughing at, and before I knew it, we were all laughing!  There were goofy, silly pictures of her family members--each having a grand time being carefree and fun.  What a gift!  Laughter!  For children, it is an every day occurrance. For us adults, not so much.  I realized then, we needed to stop and just laugh.  It felt so good! 

Funny thing about life, we all know the right way to go through our days, with peace, patience, kindness (all those wonderful fruit of the spirit helping hands!) but we get up (or I do anyway), with good intentions, and instead I end up letting the stress of the moment get the better of me. One thing leads to the next, and I find myself handling the day, not as I should, but instead again with lots of coulda-shoulda-woulda's.  Christmas is a time of Joy.  A time for Peace.  A time to Rejoice and Celebrate in all that comes our way during this blessed Season of Love.  I promised myself, I am going to take the next 25 days, and make a concerted effort to remember to fill each of those days with each of those pleasures.  Hopefully, it will become second nature again, and will flow right over to my days in 2009!  Today, day 1, my goofy kids and I would like to take our gift of laughter, and pay it forward.  We hope you enjoy our funny photo session as much we enjoyed our friend Kims!  Remember, Giggles, Merry Giggles everyone, and the truth of the holiday will shine through!