The Family Christmas Photo!

 

"Is this going to take long?" Katie Beth asked for the fifth time that day."We'll take the pictures as quickly as possible," I replied tersely. 

"And why are we wearing blue?  We did blue in 2003." Julianna interrupted.

"Can you help me with my tie?"  Jimmy handed me a tie that was now too small for his ten-year old neck. Trying to remember...I think he got it when he was six.

"Is Daddy ready?" Shine reached for my mascara, thinking I wouldn't notice.  I did, but didn't say anything. 

Today was the annual family Christmas photo--more stressful than a hurricane; less stressful than a war zone.  Wait a minute...maybe as stressful as a war zone. 

There have been moments in those annual photo shoots that lives were in danger.  Ah, our character is revealed to one another and our photographer as we take the picture ONE MORE TIME because someone's eyes were closed.  It is no small miracle to take a good picture with seven or more people in it!  And, of course, I have to admit that I contribute greatly to the tension.  I am so picky about what everyone wears...not just colors, but shades of colors, where they stand, and how they smile. 

But the end result is always so lovely.  There are friends who write me notes in October reminding me that they are looking forward to our Christmas photo.  They must know that I am tempted, sometimes, to skip it this year. 

We take between twenty and fifty shots to get one good shot for the Christmas card.  It is so discouraging for everyone to find the "perfect picture" of themselves, only to have the photo unacceptable because of someone else. 

How much like homeschooling is this annual photo session.  We have a goal in mind--the perfect family, educated children, a household serving God with all their hearts.  There are a few wonderful moments where everything is as it should be:  humble attitudes, loving actions, and accomplished goals.  But most days are like are those photos that aren't quite perfect.  You are grumpy or everyone oversleeps or the stove catches on fire or children complain about their schoolwork.  This is all because we live in a fallen world!

Though we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, we live in a war zone.  Sometimes we lose the battles against our souls.  Remember with every attack launched against you that satan is trying to get you to sin!  The devil doesn't want or need your money when you have financial trials...he doesn't want you to trust your Heavenly Provider and give thanks to Him. 

When we battle sickness, realize that your health is not the issue.  The goal of all demonic attack is to get you and your family members to sin against the Lord through worry, fear, unbelief, selfishness, greed, or rebellion.  When we have a bad attitude or spend the day worrying, the enemy of our souls has won.  Trials, whether they are training from the Lord or attacks of the enemy all can be used for good by our dear Heavenly Father. Nothing is too big for God to handle! 

If you are in the middle of difficult times or if things are not going the way you imagined, take a deep breath and step back from the situation.  Ask yourself, "Will this matter in one million years?"  In one million years, you will still be in Heaven with Jesus, but this earth will be gone!  We will be in the New Heaven and the New Earth.  So allow things to stay in proper perspective.

Now, check your heart and get right with God.  If you've sinned, just repent and receive forgiveness.  We serve a God of mercy who hears every prayer.  If your children have sinned, have them repent and get right with God.  Pray together and start the day over.  If you are in the middle of a prolonged trial, then keep doing this same thing over and over.  The more you press in to the Lord, the closer you will be to Him.  Bad times, bad days, and bad attitudes can all lead us back to a closer walk with the Lord.  So, don't be discouraged by all the bad days--use them as stepping stones to grow in your relationship with the Lord!

Remember, what's important is NOT that everything goes according to plan, but that every heart is submitted to the will of our Father in Heaven and obedient to Him.  It is God we are serving, not our agendas. And every once in a while, comes that magic moments--the perfect shot--when all goes as it should!

So, what does this have to do with Christmas?  Well, quite honestly, we can work ourselves up into frenzy with expectations that are unrealistic.  We can have goals for ourselves, our families, and our celebrations that are just set ups for attack!  Relax this season and focus more on the heart inside, less on the way things need to be.  When you blow it, quickly get right with God.  When your children blow it, quickly draw them to the heart of their Heavenly Father.  Let this season be about honoring Him with lives and hearts that are pure and holy.  Really, I think that's a gift our dear Savior would enjoy the most!

"For God so loved the world that He gave--the most wonderful present of all--His one and only Son, that whoever--would open it--believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!"  --John 3:16

And in the midst of all of the lovely homeschool and holiday chaos, may you have those magic moments when everything is as it should be.  Have a blessed Christmas as you celebrate the Birthday of our King!  From my entire family, we send our love to each one of you and your families!