Christmas Bells

If they ring, what do they say to you?

Gratitude.

Jesus Is Born.

Thank you.

God is great.


Earlier this week, I got a voicemail from the Bishop mentioning that the Adventure Scouts would like to come put up Christmas lights and to call him back.

First, I don't hang Christmas lights outside.  Second, I am tired.  Third, I think I can do everything myself. 

But without hesitation, I accepted the help and called the Bishop back saying he could relay the message that the Scouts could come over, just have someone let me know what time so that I could be ready.

Then, I panicked...I don't have Christmas lights to hang.  I don't know when they are coming.  The house is a mess!

But without hesitation, I calmed.  I said a prayer.  I went to sleep.

In the morning, I looked at the wreckage that is my house and sighed.   I got the kids ready, dropped them off at the sitters and school.  And I went to work wondering.

Then, I got inspired.  I could buy some lights.  I could have them hang a picture that is too heavy for me to do myself.  I could have them build a bookshelf that has been waiting to be built for awhile.

With the husband out of town on business for the next month, its been a challenge to keep everything in order.  But part of being a mom is looking on the positive side.

I got a message saying the Scouts were coming over between 7:15 and 8:15pm.  That meant I could pick up all the kids, buy lights and get home to clean the house between 6-7pm.

So I prayed and felt that ring tingle that everything would work out and committed to be NICE. (Stressful times call for extra nice thoughts, words, deeds from the Momma).  I bought the kids candy and they played in their room while I cleaned the downstairs, holding the baby.  In a mere 15 minutes, went from chaotic disaster to respectable and ready for guests (At least I wasn't embarrassed).  A miracle!

As I held the baby watching two leaders and 5 Scouts work...I smiled.  I finally understood what it meant  when people talk about service bringing you closer together.  I wasn't all that interested in help from Scouts when the Bishop called, but I wasn't going to reject the willingness of others to serve.  And so I let them into our house.  And grateful to their Mothers for raising such good natured Young Men. 

Let me tell you that I'm grateful! They were gracious and kind and very responsible. In 30 minutes, the Scouts hung lights on the porch, the tree, the banister, hung the picture on the wall and built a bookshelf for us.  All things that I now smile brightly when seeing.

I feel like Angels are ringing bells and cheering for:  Me--because I stopped fretting & let them help.  Them--because they did a marvelous service.  You-- because you deserve a smile.