Our Christmas Play

Birthing four boys in five years is a cinch. Raising them well, however, is not. It is difficult from the first wake up cry in the morning until the last goodnight squeal at night; difficult, but totally doable and totally worth it each and every day. My case in point….

At the beginning of December I took 25 envelopes and filled each one with a fun, easy, free, evening family time activities. So far we have been treated to hot chocolates, Christmas stories, a fire in the fire pit, a Christmas movie, and walk through a local church's live Bethlehem. Tonight the paper in envelope number 13 said that we were to hear the Christmas story from the Bible then act it out. Richard read the story from Luke. We sorted out what characters we would play, and got out the cameras. It was not a beautiful play with great props, but it was magical regardless. Aron at the age of 3, and with the condition of being male, was insistent upon being Mary. Aden was Joseph, Alex a Sheppard, Richard was the camera man/Angel/narrator, and I was all three wise men rolled into one. We had intended on Abe being baby Jesus, but he was just not cooperative, so a stuffed Elmo was cast in the part.

It was disorganized and hard to follow, but it was so much fun to see the boys get into their roles. The towels over their heads, their shy little faces saying the short and simple lines, but they were totally getting it. Aron did so well. If I were to see a million Christmas plays I do not believe that one of them will ever be as sweet to me as the one held in our living room this evening. We closed our play by singing a couple songs. Aron belted them out dutifully and beautifully with an angelic face.

I am well aware that it is hard to believe I enjoy all aspects of being a mother to my sons, but I do. There are times when it is insane, and I feel insane, however, I am so grateful that the Lord has placed this highest calling upon my heart in such a definitive and clear fashion. Some days I do not do it all well, but I am always glad I showed up and tried. Because if I had not put in the time and effort, if I had not pushed myself harder, I firmly believe I would miss the treasure that is the lesson of it all. Each day I feel myself being broken down, so that I can be built up to be more like Christ. A kind and gentle God knows that I need four little men pushing me right through my limits, and into my bliss each and every day!