‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the place,
Time was doing its best to march across my face.
The stockings were hung from the chimney with glee,
But Mom still had to buy stuffers for all of their three.
It seemed that those darlings were always in tow,
Making purchases difficult as any parent does know.
With Momma in her yoga pants and Dad raking the lawn,
They had just wrapped their brains around Summer being gone.
When over the baby monitor they heard a loud boom,
I dropped my phone and ran into the room.
When what to my bloodshot eyes did I happen to see,
But a three year old with her eyes covered as little Sis crawled out of the toppled tree.
With the odds stacked against me, I gave into the fact,
That Christmas preparations this year would not be exact.
More rapid than eagles the days of December they flew,
Not slowing a bit while I searched for a missing baby shoe.
Oh Chloe, Oh Bailey.
Hurry Marlie, hurry Ben.
We’re waiting for him as he puts the dog back in her pen.
Rushing to the van, strapping everyone into their seat,
We finally pull out of the driveway; a most amazing feat.
As I buckled my own self and was turning about,
I glimpsed the baby pouring out her milk, despite the spill-proof spout.
The youngest soaked with liquid, it occurred to me then,
The diaper bag I’d forgotten, and I went back inside again.
The house begged to be cleaned, the presents required wrapping.
The baby was still wet, and both children needed napping.
The Christmas cards how they sat, neglected and still not in the mail.
The forgotten elf remained on his shelf, a true Christmas parenting fail.
The hustle, the bustle, the rushing in and out,
Buying the perfect package? Was that what Christmas was all about?!
I spoke not a word, but went straight to the van.
I unloaded the children and took my husband’s hand.
And holding them to me, while kissing each head,
We gathered for a story about Christmas instead.
I decided to let the time do what time is going to do,
And focused my energies on the things I hold true.
As another day ended and Christmas drew close,
I had no regrets on spending my time on what I love most.
As the children fell asleep, finally giving up the fight.
I prayed, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
For those who have been following my fasting journey, today is day four. If you missed the post about me starting my fast, please click here. It details the reasoning behind my fast which I think is important.
Yesterday evening was really hard. I became tired and weak and just plain frustrated. I felt short-tempered and like my brain wasn’t functioning correctly. It reminded me a lot of being pregnant (which I am not!)
Today, day four, around the same time, 5pm or so, I again began to really feel the physical drain of not eating. I have actually felt it all day. Weak, unable to think properly, mild nausea, headache. As I made the bed I prayed.
It occurred to me how hard it is to function without nutrition. In the next thought I realized how hard it is to function without God. He is the bread of life. Without Him I am empty and unable to function. Just like actual bread.
I still have not eaten. Yet. I have decided to end my fast. It’s difficult to admit that to you all. I thought of just not mentioning it again. Ha. After all, I had the above post all ready to publish.
I could say it’s been too hard still breastfeeding, or with the children to care for, or even that I have to work tomorrow and need my mentation for patient care, but it all comes down to no excuses necessary. Fasting is just difficult. I made it almost four full days. God spoke to me and I was blessed. I’ll not dwell on it as I eat something delectable, and I won’t feel guilty. I was obedient the best I could be. And I think I did pretty good.
Thanks for the prayers. If the above poem is ridiculous then blame it on my caloric deficiency.
That is all 🙂
Ruthie Young says
You did it! and God was pleased! great job.
love the poem too!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. Your comment made me smile.