The reason for the season!

November is over and hooray for the relief that the end of 50,000 words brings December brings on a whole different set of challenges!  Between Christmas prep & lesson planning I've had only a few moments to breathe!  Though I have to say that within the course of the last few weeks I have found that in this joyous holiday season there have been humble and quiet moments of peace.  It is in those moments that I can actually reflect upon what I've been given and truly feel that I am blessed.  The most striking of these moments hit me today as I was home with my daughter watching her toddle around.  She's figured out she can walk and oh boy is she walking!!  Those legs unsteady like the wobble of a newborn deer take her from one end of the house to the other and she just beams with pride at her new found accomplishment.  I was on the floor just watching her run around and there was a brief moment where, with my sneaker in hand, she paused, looked over her shoulder at me, and with a sparkle in her eyes just grinned at me. Without a word she had communicated to me a joy and pride that I can't describe in words.  As she walked away I couldn't help but think of the season and the reason for the season.  I can not imagine the joy, pride, and pain that Mary had to endure upon the birth of her son Jesus Christ.  What a great and humbling moment that was for me as I saw just a glimpse of what pure joy is and I could truly appreciate all that has been given for me and my daughter!  

My one true hope is that this holiday season holds joy and peace for you giving you a moment of insight into the true reason for the season!