Advent::Reality Check

I had planned on writing a post on our advent activities here, but when I was organizing the archives for a holiday forum I belong to, I came across this post that I wrote last year. It is not exactly what I had in mind, but it does give a realistic idea of advent in our home.

So, without further ado:

I have been planning on posting some pictures, but I thought I might give a more realistic view of how things are really going this year to leave the pictures out. Pictures have no sound... everything can look so idyllic. I always forget, until that first Sunday of advent, what reality is around here, so I thought I'd share. ;)

Gone are the days when my boys were babies and they were eager, if not slightly disruptive, in their participation of advent devotions. Back then, our older girls were usually around to participate, which I think had a calming effect. Each night, when we did the different devotions, the boys would share jobs with their sisters- a little one would light a candle while big sister read a prayer... another would put a Jesse Tree ornament up while big sister read a passage from the Jesse Tree book... I am probably remembering it much more peaceful than it actually was, but I do think the boys were always excited to get to do this with their sister(s).

Fast forward to present day...  as advent begins in earnest, I think "Why-- why are we doing this?" As one boy does a "quick draw" and spin pulling **two** long handled lighters out of his pretend holster (yes, very reverent), the other complains that he wants this to be his week to light the candle... only moments later loud whining ensues as the same boy remembers he does ***not*** want to light the candle this week, he wants to wait to light the pink candle. At this point,  James (6 yo) is standing on his head on the couch.... we manage, with much effort and little reverence, to get through all of our little activities and short readings. I think about tossing everything out the back door, but my husband assures me that it is okay-- "it is just a muscle that needs to be exercised. It will get better as the days go on"-- and I remember that it really does.

Hopefully, this is an encouragement! --not a discouragement. I just worry that it is easy to look at all the blogs and books that set out this beautiful, peaceful season of anticipation and possibly feel that we are falling short. It is a beautiful season, but not always peaceful-- at least at around our house! :)

I hope everyone is has a blessed, beautiful, and peaceful advent!!