In the throes of getting ready for Christmas, there is no painting going on here. Today I was at James Avery by 9:00 a.m. to buy two gifts, then Central Market for the stuff I didn’t buy at the other grocery store yesterday for Christmas Eve dinner, then home to make little gift packages for the mailman and dry clean delivery guy, next a trip with my son to buy a gift for my husband, home for lunch, then to the dentist because I somehow had the crazy idea this would be a good day to schedule check-ups for my kids, then home to ice cookies with the kids. At 4:00 p.m. I got the oil changed in my car while I was getting a manicure at the salon next door (at least some multi-tasking going on here but sadly not enough) and then finally home for dinner. Tonight I’m making cranberry sauce and stuffing for the turkey I’ll cook tomorrow. And laundry.
Yes I would rather be painting than driving around in Houston traffic, but painting will have to wait. The kids are home from school and time with them is precious. The easel and paints will be there in January when it’s time to get back to painting.
Meanwhile, I try to keep the meaning of Christmas in my heart with my simple prayer of thanksgiving. I am thankful for God’s sacrifice of His only son so that the sins of the world could be washed away. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. I am thankful for my family, friends (especially my new friend Diane 🙂 ), for love, laughter, health, painting, and for fun. And I try to count my blessings instead of my problems.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and blessings in the new year,
Joan
Sounds like you are a very positive person with a great outlook! And you certainly are right about the real meaning of Christmas.
Rhonda
Happy New Year, Joan! Now that we’re done making turkeys gets get to what we really love doing!!! Many blessings to you in 2009!