It's Almost 6:30

by Mary Kelso
December 2008

It's almost 6:30 and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring, not even my spouse.
The tree is unlit and the kitchen is still
In a quiet that soon all the cousins will fill
The gifts are all wrapped and the pantry is packed,
The turkey is thawing and cookies all stacked.
We've planned and we've planned yet who can predict
What oopses and ouches the day will inflict?
It's the day before Christmas and family galore
Will soon make their way to our wreath bedecked door.
There'll be yelling and screaming and fighting for sure,
There'll be chaos and dizzying action to cure.
The little ones terrorize every calm mind
While the older ones cringe and then turn as if blind.
The questions will come and the calls of "when's dinner?"
While the moms and the dads watch their patience grow thinner.
And we wonder each time what is this really worth?
Are we forcing a moment in search of some mirth?
But as turkey and dressing and taters are passed
And the last of the pie is eaten too fast,
When we rest for a moment and join in the fun,
Instead of just yelling 'bout how we're "NOT DONE!"
We find that the day and all of it's work,
Has more than the average list of great perks.
What the children remember will fill them with joy,
It's more than a tree, or a meal or a toy.
Their memories of love and of laughter and games
Will outweigh the torrent of tattles and blames.
And maybe, just maybe that's what this is for,
A day when the laughter and love should outscore.
Jesus didn't come here to teach us to cook,
Wrap presents, clean dishes or have a great look.
His gift was Himself and ours should be too,
But we have to forget all that we want to do.
Instead of a meal that bedazzles the eyes,
I'm cooking today for the kids and the guys.
Instead of a house that must be kept clean,
I'm loaning my walls to an unfolding scene.
It may not seem peaceful, and it will not be quiet,
It may seem like moments of absolute riot.
But quiet can happen without anyone,
We'll bask in it soon when the playtime is done.
Until then we know that our peace can remain
Despite any noise, any grief, any pain.
It's beyond understanding, but not beyond reach,
It's a choice that we make and hopefully teach.
We don't ignore problems, or let things run wild,
But we should approach life with the eyes of a child.
Expecting great things from the path that's before us,
Let's celebrate Christmas with laughter and chorus.
So bring in the children bring in the folks,
Bring in the stories and really bad jokes.
The turkey will roast, the table will fill,
The rooms will get messy the babies will spill,
But none of these things are a sin or a crime,
It will all be okay if we have a good time.