No Rest for the Weary

Today, someone asked me how I was feeling; I replied honestly, "Overwhelmed." I have spent the past three days, facing the last-minute holiday crowds at stores all over three towns, trying to find gifts for 10 families. Late last week, a donor came through in a big way to help families in need for Christmas. And while the money was absolutely wonderful and angelic and exactly what we needed, it meant my weekend plans would now be consumed with making sure that dozens of children woke up to gifts on Christmas morning.

(Did I mention that this shopping excursion took place after feeding 350+ people at our Christmas celebration on Friday?)

I enlisted the help of my niece and nephew, and it was so much fun to shop together, thinking about these families, earnestly seeking just the right toy, the right color tennis shoes, the right Dora the Explorer accessory, etc. Today, however, I am exhausted, drained from interviewing the families, sorting the gifts, loading the items into cars. The phone has been ringing non-stop since 7am, with stacks of families who must regretfully be informed that all our funds have been depleted. (Why did they wait until 3 days before the holiday for help, I wonder?)

However, what has me keyed up most of all, is the fact that once this is all finished, I have to complete all of MY own holiday prep work, which did not get done this weekend.

How did Mother Theresa do this her entire life, and not grow exhausted or hostile at the continuous need that came to her door every day?

I pray for peace and composure, and a grateful heart. I've got them all, but they seem to be misplaced during this busy season...