This weekend, I directed my fourth children's ministry Christmas performance. Last year was the only time in five years at this church that I didn't direct the program. I had a January 1st deadline for my second novel last year, and as a result I was too scared to commit to anything in the holiday season. But I felt the absence of that program. It was a real sacrifice, and a reluctant one. I knew that no one else would have my peculiar passion for this type of Christmas pageant, and therefore, the kids wouldn't get the opportunity to do it.
This year, I faced another January 1st novel deadline. But this time, I was determined not to sacrifice that Christmas program again out of fear of my deadline.
I had to place first things first. Though writing means a lot to me, children mean more.
Why did it matter? What's the big deal about a bunch of kids in costumes dug up from the church basement?
When you're eight, a white robe and tinsel halo are beautiful, extraordinary. They make you part of the miracle at Bethlehem. And all your friends are equally transformed into part of the great story, as if heaven just came down to earth. And it did.
I spent ten years of my life without faith, in my teens and early twenties. One of my strongest connections to my childhood faith was the joy of Christmas pageants. It's possible that those early memories helped me to return to faith as an adult. Now, I hope I'm building those same memories for the children I know.
Tinsel haloes matter.
14 comments:
I'm glad you were able to direct the pageant this year. I"m sure the kids had a blast, and it sounds like you did, too.
Wishing you all the best as you work toward your deadline.
Rosslyn, you're SO RIGHT with childhood memories that help the adult remember his faith. And those little ones are adorable! Love the costumes. So glad you could do this. PS congrats with your writing!!!
Love that picture. And I love your decision.
It is people like you that help change the world.
God calls us to put his kingdom first, that can be hard when we are faced with the choices of many "good" things in life.
God has been talking to me about this area, my husband and I are on a tight budget but we sponsor a few Children each month through Mission of Mercy, recently we re-did our budget for the next year and we will be pushing it (if cost of groceries wouldn't rise we would do better). It would be easy to say "Let's drop our sponsorship for now" but we prayed about it and know our sacrifices are worth the lives of our children.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:21 NIV
Lovely post! And I'm glad you were able to do the pageant. It will be another great memory for you.
You made the right decision. God is applauding.
This picture makes me think of Ramona Quimby in her Christmas program, on of the sweetest scenes in all the Beverly Cleary books.
I'd like to see you in the next few weeks. I'm hoping I'll have something for your Brooke... :)
Are you free?
I've never thought about that, but I think you are right! I got to wear a tinsel halo once too, and it is a lovely memory. My kids are in our Christmas program and I often view it as a bother rather than a blessing - thank you for the new persepective!
Thank you, Keli!
Amy - I'm so glad to see you! I am currently hard pressed with a looming deadline and not getting around the internet as much, but I look forward to coming to visit "your place" again when this is over in a few weeks.
TC - I'm glad to hear about your sponsorship..that is such a worthy cause. Thanks for coming by!
Caroline - I am SO excited. Brooke has been looking forward to your book for a while now! I'll FB you to talk about times.
Margo - What can be cuter than twins in sheep costumes? :-) I hope your kids will also have a great time and make a lasting memory.
Katie, Cindy, Loree - Thank you for dropping in--I'm so looking forward to being able to make the rounds and see what everyone is up to.
Rosslyn,
I know how hard it can be to make that decision. I'm glad you didn't miss the pageant this year and you did marvelous darling with word count for Nano so be proud. Love the pic. :)
Hugs,
Jill
Good for you, for obeying the matters of the heart. :) I especially like how you've considered that pageants were the very thing that connected you strongly to your faith, and are now trying to do the same for others.
Amen! I'm also working with kids at Christmas. I can't stop myself. Giving you three cheers and a pat on the back.
So many nice events occur during the holidays like folks singing on street corners and Christmas music. Really helps get you in the mood even when you sometimes don't quite feel like it. Richard from Amish Stories
Jill, Barb, Mary, Richard--I really appreciate your comments. Not long until I get to come back to dialogue on your blogs...I'm looking forward to it. Thank you for making this period feel a little less isolated by taking the time to come by.
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