I didn’t choose this monkey wrench and especially the timing, but I can choose the attitude I bring into it. Crutches, setbacks, limits…yep, all here. But so is gratitude, growth, and a whole lot of perspective. I tore my ACL the day after Thanksgiving- before my house was ready for Christmas or all my shopping was done. My Christmas school wasn’t prepped yet and now I couldn’t even walk without help. I mourned the disappointment of letting go of my ideal vision for this season. This was supposed to be the year I completed my fitness plan, added more Christmas trees, made tons of homemade gifts, and hosted gatherings. Instead, I’m navigating December on crutches and in motorized wheelchairs to go Christmas shopping. Success isn’t in holiday plans or in a well-organized school rhythm. It’s in simple moments of presence with my children, abiding in Him, and cultivating peace in our home. Even though I cherish the structure of Christmas school, crafts, and baking, I’m learning that these aren’t the essence of true success. Are you facing hardship this Christmas? Grief? Disappointment? I’m with you. Maybe finding peace in the midst of all of it is actually the point. Jesus is the peace, my friend. This is why He came. To be our comfort and peace.