Taking Time to See the Light(s)

On Christmas Eve, we traveled to my mom’s house, and my brothers came over with their families. After a great time eating wings and exchanging gifts, my brothers and sister-in-law packed up the kids and the booty, and went home. We put the kids in bed around 9:00. Then my mom noticed that my brother Joe had left his camera. A dad without a camera on Christmas morning is just too tragic, so mom and I hopped in the car, and drove a few miles to his house.

On the way back, we couldn’t resist driving through a nearby neighborhood; this particular neighborhood really takes the Christmas lights seriously. Looking at Christmas lights was something my mother has always loved; and even though during the teen years I groaned, I’ve always loved it, too.
After a few minutes, my mom said, “What if we went home and got the girls out of bed to see the lights? Wouldn’t they be thrilled?” Ever the bedtime stickler, I unenthusiastically said, “Yeah, they would be pretty surprised?”
“We shouldn’t do that, though…right?”
“No, no I don’t think so. We can go tomorrow night.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right…..oh well.” I could tell my mom was disappointed, but she really respects my mothering decisions, so she didn’t push.
When we got home, we discovered the kids were actually still awake in their beds, including the two-year-old. Then I realized I had forgotten that we were going to my dad’s house tomorrow.

I took a deep breath, and said, “OK, let’s get ‘em up! Hurry up before I regain my bedtime militancy.” (I really didn’t say that last part, I’m not that articulate in speech. But I know I was thinking it!)
You would have thought we traveled to Neverland and flew with Tinkerbell! They were ecstatic. We put the giggling girls in the car dressed in their PJs and socks, and took to the sparkling streets. It was a glorious moment of spontaneous joy that they will remember for a long time!
The fact is, I can take no credit for that blessing. If it weren’t for my mom, I never would have thought of such a thing. As I lay in bed that night, I realized I need a little more of this joy in my life, and I need to provide it for the girls. Spontaneity is what wonderful memories are made of. I can be so attached to the routines of life. I’m so focused on the “should,” that I don’t see the “could.”
So this year, one of my goals will be to take life a little less seriously, stop and smell the roses, do something unexpected. We need to take time to savor the joy of life. I can take a little inspiration from my father God. How many unexpected blessings does he provide for me, even when I’m not looking for them. I wonder if he delights in my joy like I did with the girls on Christmas Eve? Probably a lot more than I. I only hope He will speak through me to my daughters, and shower His love upon them this year!
What are some of your goals for 2008?