It was right about when she hung that mess of balls together and he strung the gold beads all criss-crossy on our tree that I remembered a scene from a few years ago. Of course, they were much littler then, but somehow I cared so much more how perfect everything had to be, how each ball had it’s place and how each light should be turned outward. And, when those small people had been tucked in tight under quilts, I’d go back and rearrange. Somehow, God got a hold of me, and as my children trim the tree year after year, my Lord trims the excess stuff from my heart, the stuff that keeps kids from feeling like their efforts are good enough. I see life so much clearer now.

I am thankful.

Joy-filled Trimmers working side by side…

…singing the entire time

I especially enjoy how there are groupings of ornaments in various places

They’re not quite finished and I may give them a little help tomorrow… but I don’t have to, and that makes me free.

About the author  Heather Vanderkruk is married to a patient man who showers his family with affection every day. She home-educates their four energetic children, which is the most important career she's occupied to date. Amidst laundry, math, and a prayer ministry for hurting women, Heather makes the most of her mountain-top experiences with the Lord, in order to do combat in the valley. Find more of Heather's writing at http://heathershomewardjourney.blogspot.com/