“I knew that God had sent me that little boy to remind me…what Christmas is all about.” ~ NewSong (“The Christmas Shoes,” 2006)
My word for 2017 is DECLUTTER. As the year comes to a close, I will be the first to admit that decluttering is not easy. When God works, life is never easy.
You see, when you are chosen, you get a big target on your back. No one likes to talk about the ugly parts of living the life you were called to live. We pretend that all of a sudden, pain goes away…replaced immediately by laughter and joy. We leave out where Satan will kill you and anyone around you if He can…to keep you from sharing…to keep you from doing what God has called you to do.
I am not writing for your sympathy. I am writing because writing is my ministry. Teaching is my ministry. Coaching is my ministry. And if I do not write, then all of 2017 was for nothing. So here I am. Still with more questions than answers. Writing because God asked me to write.
***
My son reminds me every day that I promised we could make a gingerbread house for Christmas. He makes us listen to Christmas music in the car. He harassed us every day after Thanksgiving to put up the tree. Then, when we finally put it up, he pulls out some of his favorite trains to hang on it as ornaments.
On the other hand, the closer Christmas draws near, the more frustrated I become. I am reminded of all the gifts I have not yet purchased with the extra money I do not have. All the decorating I have not done compared with this time last year. All of the Spirit lost somewhere in this mess we call happy holidays…
…Then I watch a video of Steven Furtik entitled “Don’t Waste Your Angel.” I do the typical, God, you choose what you want me to watch. I cry from start to finish, and just in case I needed a little affirmation that the video was specifically and intentionally chosen for me, Steven mentions that I am “blessed to be a blessing” – the exact words I blogged about less than 7 days ago. In the video Steven also says, “You’re ready now.” And I hear God repeat, “You’re ready now!”
Tear-stained eyes have no idea what He’s talking about. So God continues to repeat over and over, “Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep….No matter what life throws at you. I need you to promise me that you will feed my sheep. Things are about to change drastically, and I need you to feed my sheep. It is for this right now that I was born, and I need you to feed my sheep. THIS IS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!!! Right here. Right now. FEED MY SHEEP!!”
I think back over 2017…how I decluttered my time, and my budget, and my to-dos, and so many other things, and I start writing about ways to find the Christmas spirit. Then I stop, and I know when I stop, I will never publish it.
I wake up this morning, and I get to work immediately. I reread my list of items to help rid myself of my inner grinch. I brainstorm about the ways I will write about it. I prep my paperwork for the impending track tryouts, and there in the middle of regular life…life happens, before I can adjust, before I can prepare, before I can do anything about it.
My sister has been killed. She just turned 25. She was figuring out life just like the rest of us, and someone decided her life was not worth living. I reiterate that I am not here for sympathy or tears. I am here because someone needs to know what Christmas is.
Her son…my son…our son is only 5. Someone thought he was better off without a mother.
***
Her son…My son…Our son is coming back to live with us.
That’s what Christmas is…second chances…hope for a better tomorrow.
He was born so we could know her death was not in vain. Maybe she did figure out life, and God took her before she could change her mind.
I would like to say that He was born so that little families like mine can save little boys like Jimmie. Yet, that’s quite backwards.
He was born so that little boys like Jimmie can save little families like mine.
So you’ll excuse me as I run up my debt in celebration, as I blast my music so loudly it corrupts my eardrums, as I hang lights and stockings, read nativity stories, and make gingerbread houses.
I have spent the year decluttering my space. My schedule is completely open. Christmas is upon me. I will celebrate with or without you.
Christ was born…for this moment…for right now…for hope…for a future…and I AM READY!
***
What are some ways that you declutter your Christmas or any holidays?
Comment below or connect with me: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat: mrsbonnaffons.
Leave your email below so that I can send holiday stories straight to your inbox:
***
If you would like a blessed to be a blessing shirt or any other reminders of the true meaning of life and the holiday season, check out Called to Edify Boutique.
Thanks! I mean – that really sums up everything I thought when I read this. Have a fantastically blessed Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Brittany. How awful; I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now. Sending love and prayers across the miles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m just taking every bit of love and prayers that I can get.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow wow wow! What an amazing blog! I am so sorry for your loss.xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. 💕
LikeLike
My heart goes out to you Brittany. Your resilience, depth of faith and big mothering heart continue to leave me in awe
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much Lorena. Have a Merry christmas and Happy New Year!!
LikeLike
I am praying for your family during this time that He will give you peace and comfort. I am also thankful that Jimmie is coming back! So I will rejoice in his return but I will also mourn for the loss of your sister. I am also just simply amazed at how God let you hear that particular message at that appointed time. He is an awesome God!
What’s interesting is that my word for 2018 is Purge. Purging of things that prevent me from moving foward, thoughts, and fears.
Thanks for your continued support!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! So close to declutter. God is about to do some great things…just hold on tight, and enjoy every minute of your ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blogs! This just blessed my soul…really my soul is happy that I read this. My prayers to your family and please know this is going to be my word for 2018. My word for 2017 came to be intentional…so for me this is extra confirmation. Thanks for truly being a blessing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry I haven’t texted you, I have not forgotten. Thank you so much! Love your direction 💕
LikeLike
I really needed to hear this message. Blessings for you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Hershell 😘
LikeLike
Brittany I’m so sorry for your loss.. I’m praying for you and your family. Oh how my heart aches for Jimmie, however I know he is in good hands with your family and now you all are complete..I so Love your blog. Merry Christmas 🎄 and a Happy New Year!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Miyoshi. Can’t believe I’m just seeing this. You have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well!
LikeLike
I wish I could reach out and hug you right now…Holding you from afar…
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘😘😘💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
So touching, heartfelt, real, and filled with strength. I read this right after reading ‘When life gives lemons’ and can just feel God working on and through you. I pray that during this holiday season that the Prince of Peace continue to cover you as you grieve and as your family grows again. My word for 2017 was P.U.S.H (pray until something happens) and watching God do what only He can do during this year as been eye opening to say the least. But the year isn t over yet. and neither are my prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that one. I used to say that all the time PUSH. And HOPE (Hold on Pain Ends)! Thanks so much for your prayers 😘
LikeLike
You have a beautiful family and so much to be grateful for. Continued inner peace, happiness, laughter and love fills you and your home. ~ Bernice Merry Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Well wishes to you and yours as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an authentically real blog! No matter what circumstances we will stay focused on the meaning of Christmas. Thank you for sharing your experience.
LikeLike
I am so sorry for your loss Brittany and so impressed by your determination to push through. There is no doubt that your little nephew is going to be in good hands. Merry Christmas, Sister. May God comfort all of you in a mighty way this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jessica. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
LikeLike
I am so sorry about your sister. My heart goes out to her soul and to her son, and you and rest of the family. What a time to happen. Well we do not have control of birth and death. When the time comes we all have to go, but as it happens sometimes things happen in very sad ways!
So her son…your son is coming back to you. He was born for her and for you and sometimes life is so mysterious. It will be later on when we look back in time that we see some pattern and the meaning of all what happened through the years.
I pray daily. All the time. In happiness, in sadness, in gratitude and in thankfulness. I will keep you in my prayers. I send you all much love, light and healing energies. Have Faith and Trust in God ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much 😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be praying for you to have strength at this stressful time of your life. Many Blessings of Love Light and Healing Energies being sent your way. God Bless ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Brittany, what little words I have seem so very insignificant. My heart goes out to you following the loss of your sister — how very tragic! I know (only too well) how it all seems so senseless, but you and I both know God is there weaving a story that is beautiful in the end. Praying for you and your beautiful family, especially little Jimmie. May the blessings of Christmas give you peace and a new hope, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Marva! I could use a LOT of peace these days and all the prayers I can summon. I continue to pray for you as well. Tragedies tend to leave their mark in those affected even after time has caused the world to move on.
LikeLike
Hi thanks for sharinng this
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome!
LikeLike