The Sweetest Mother's Day Gift!

We Don’t Have Anything Extra For Christmas This Year

3 Minute Read

By Her View From Home

Family walking in snow with sleds — pdrocha/Shutterstock.com

I don’t have anything extra for Christmas. I’m not making lists of gifts to buy or ingredients to pick up. I’m not ordering Christmas pictures, or sending cards, or buying matching pajamas because I don’t have anything extra this year.

I have a plan to make gifts for my family out of old art supplies, but I’m relying on a light bulb moment for what to give my son. My more pressing concern is we’ve just run out of milk and, possibly even more pressing, coffee.

We have a temporary roof over our heads and I’m grateful, but I’d be lying if I said the temporary part doesn’t tempt me toward worry.

And there are two reasons I haven’t driven my car anywhere this week—one, the gas light has been on a bit too long for comfort; and two, I haven’t quite scraped together enough dollars to renew my registration. Adding a ticket to my overdue bills is the last thing I need.

RELATED: The Day An Angel Drove Me Home

But can I tell you something? I swear this is true —cross my heart—I am so happy. I’m smiling as I write these words.

I don’t have everything I want. That list would definitely include coffee and milk and also chips, but I do have everything I need.

Actually, I have more.

The temporary roof? It’s over the warmest and coziest little place I’ve ever stayed. And though it might be temporary, I have no real fear of ever being without a roof because I am loved better and by more people than I deserve.

The milk and coffee shortage? We have plenty of other food. There is no danger of starving here and, if nothing else, not having some of what we’re used to is a reminder of how lucky we are—it’s a reminder to be grateful.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent

This isn’t the year I get to spoil the people I love with expensive gifts. This is the year I’m grateful for a little artistic talent and some unused art supplies. It’s the year I’m grateful for how my son is so well-loved by so many people he won’t even notice the lack.

This isn’t the year I have all the snacks and cookies and drinks I love. This is the year I’m grateful for some cocoa powder to mix with hot water, a cozy blanket on my lap, Christmas movies to watch, and the best kid in the world to watch them with.

This isn’t the year I find any security in self-sufficiency, this is the year I find all of my security in my God.

This isn’t the year I have everything I want. This is the year I realized I have more than I need.

And I am grateful.

PS – Ever wonder what the angels on the tree really need? It’s simpler than you might think.

So God Made a Grandmother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

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christmas Christmas season extra finances financial struggle holiday giving holidays

Her View From Home

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We Don’t Have Anything Extra For Christmas This Year

RELATED: The Day An Angel Drove Me Home

I don’t have everything I want. That list would definitely include coffee and milk and also chips, but I do have everything I need.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent

This isn’t the year I find any security in self-sufficiency, this is the year I find all of my security in my God.

PS – Ever wonder what the angels on the tree really need? It’s simpler than you might think.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

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Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

We Don’t Have Anything Extra For Christmas This Year

I don’t have everything I want. That list would definitely include coffee and milk and also chips, but I do have everything I need.

This isn’t the year I find any security in self-sufficiency, this is the year I find all of my security in my God.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Your Worth Is Not Someone Else’s To Measure

Lord, Give Me Faith Like Hannah

God Carries Me Through the Deep Waters of Change

Faith After a Rare Disease Diagnosis

What If I Don’t Hear God’s Voice?

God Holds You As You Hold Everyone Else

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10 Years after My Mother’s Death, Her Faith Still Guides Me

Finding God in the Middle of Disbelief: A Mom’s Journey through Faith and Fear

In Praise of Indebtedness: How Threads of Reciprocity Weave Us Together

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