The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

A rare moment of quiet happened in the house this morning.  I found myself awake before any of the children; alone with my cup of coffee and my thoughts.  I sat in the dimly lit living room with the Christmas tree lights on and relished in the peaceful time of reflection and prayer.  My eyes fell on the mantle with its pretty garland and family photos and I couldn't help but count the stockings hanging there.  Six! It wasn’t all that long ago when there were only two, my husbands and mine, and now the mantle is nearly FULL.

I thought about that word again, FULL.  I hear that word so often these days; mostly when I am out with all four children.  People just can’t seem to help themselves.  Sometimes I’m not sure if it is out of awe or pity, but I inevitably get the “You’ve got your hands full!” comment (hence the title of this blog!).  Perhaps people feel the need to say something because they just can not imagine a life so full.

My standard response to this comment has become “And loving every minute of it!” or “Wouldn’t want it any other way!” And I really wouldn’t change it for anything.  As I sit here looking at the mantle full of stockings, I can’t help but reflect on all of the other things that my life is full of this holiday season; joy, excitement, laughter, anticipation… the list goes on.  The house is full of Christmas music and the refrigerator door is full of priceless artwork (made by my five and four year olds that is).  My arms are full of hugs and cuddles.  My mind is full of happy memories from a busy year.

So, yes, my hands are full and no, not every day is a picnic. We have our share of fits, temper tantrums and grumpy days, but what else would you expect in a house with four kids ages five, four, two and one! However, the good just always seems to outweigh the bad.  To me, FULL hands are so much better than EMPTY ones!

I pray that your holiday season is a FULL one.  Full of peace and joy,  full of family and friends, full of laughter and memories and most of all, full of the love of Jesus Christ.

“and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”   -Colossians 2:10