God sees you, Mama!

God sees you Mama...

Counting presents and buying last minute gifts...

Trying to make sure everyone has the same amount of pretty packages...

Looking out the window for the UPS truck to bring the gift you are afraid won't arrive...

Worried over whether everyone will be content on Christmas Day...

Trying to make the day special for each one...

God sees you Mama...

Mailing out last minute presents to family far away...

Wondering if you should spend the money you don't have on overnight shipping...

Wondering if it's okay if gifts arrive a day or two late or if someone will be hurt...

God sees you Mama...

Running last minute to the grocery store hoping there are turkeys left that aren't frozen...

Trying to make sure to get the ingredients for everyone's favorite dessert...

God sees you Mama...

Getting everyone's outfit ready for the Christmas Eve service...

Trying to get everyone out the door early so you can all sit together...

Remembering crayons and paper since there's no child care...

Hoping the little ones will be calm during the service so you can enjoy it too...

God sees you Mama...

Up all night wrapping presents...

Hoping you bought enough wrapping paper and tape...

Hoping you won't have to try to hide the duck tape you would have to use out of desperation...

God sees you Mama...

Worried that you've lost the "reason for the season"...

That God is not pleased with your busy preparations...

Know He sees your heart that you wish there was some *time off* in there for you...

Take a moment Mama...

To rest in God's love for you...

To be restored in His presence...

To sing His praises...
Take yourself *off the hook* that only you have put yourself on...

Remember that God understands *preparations* and *sacrifice* and *gifts to those He loves*...

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 

~Isaiah 40:11