We do our Advent devotions and double up again. My priorities slip under the weight of the season. I promise to do better. So glad He is good.
We read of Jacob and the night he slept under the stars with a rock for a pillow. Of the promises God made to him. Of his words to test God. How the Father never fails a test.
We sing Jacob's Ladder. Sweet son draws my ladder. Everywhere is a house of God.
We read of Joseph. We talk about the colorful lights of Christmas and Joseph's colorful coat and how he helped prepare the way for the baby. We smile at the way God teaches us, as the children we are.
We read of Joseph forgiving his brothers. Our assignment to forgive. To write name on paper. I think of her and how I thought I had forgiven. Then why would I remember - with a hurting heart. So I write down her name, looking at each letter, and I pray for her but more for me.
I pull my baby son onto my lap and try to explain forgiveness. I point to the soft spot that holds his heart and remember how Trey hurt him the night before.
He's a baby, only two. He didn't mean to hurt you.
He made me mad, Mommy.
I hug him close and ask him if he can forgive and let Trey be his friend. My son smiles and teaches me -
He alwa be my friend.
I spell the letters and he writes.
We slip his paper under the Jesse Tree and I slip mine under my pillow.
We place the ornaments on the tree. And wait, for the baby.
