One Foot in front of the Other
Do you ever feel like the Winter Warlock in Santa Claus is coming to town? The one who is all grouchy and scary on the outside, but deep down he has a heart of gold.
He masks his pain with a frozen layer of ice and snow, and reeks havoc on those around him.
Yet it’s interesting to see that the one thing that melts his heart of ice is a gift. It’s not just the material gift that does the trick, but the the caring that begins the melt down process.
Someone actually took the time to love the Winter Warlock despite his ugly, cruel outward appearance.
Over the past several years, I’ve felt like the Winter Warlock. Grouchy and mean with a heart of ice toward my family on more occasions than I care to admit. I think moms are more susceptible to the “Winter Warlock Syndrome.”
We give of ourselves on a daily basis over YEARS, without much appreciation and gratitude from those we serve. At least that’s how it is for me. And who wouldn’t get grouchy without a little pat on the back every once and a while.
But like the Winter Warlock, the layer of ice which hides our soft maternal layer, can be melted away. Sometimes it’s an unexpected hug from a child, or a surprise dinner out. Those things are wonderful, but soon after they’re over and things return to normal, the melted ice can refreeze. So how did the Winter Warlock do it?
He put one foot in front of the other. One step at a time. One day at a time.
And so will I with the help on the Jesus, whose given me the best gift of all and the best example of how to live my life!
