Just in Case at Christmastime

My family and I have spent many days on the road to and from Wisconsin and Iowa and probably half these road trips were at Christmastime.  I never really mind; but our car always looks like we are expecting a disaster: tire chains, snow pants, jumper cables, quilts, bottled water, just in case.  In some ways, Christmas Eve carries the same anticipation.  It is a marathon of a day, and before I really get going I am troubleshooting.  That's why at 7am I am making lunch.  Dinner is late, after Church with a huge crowd, and of course the traditional Italian Feast of Seven Fishes.  But, my best time for being strategic is in the morning.  And, for me, especially at Christmas, I am strategic about food. Not because I am wearing a cocktail dress, although believe me choosing a fitted outfit is totally deliberate. I don't want to kid myself into thinking I have room for gluttony, gluttony isn't worthy of Christmas to me.  I am intentional about my food because for too long I elevated it to a status beyond the people I was having the food with, a compulsion which led me to pain I am unwilling to endure ever again.  So, what's guarding me from hunger-driven, sugar-driven, busy-driven recklessness this afternoon?  Whole Foods' Butternut Squash Soup.  It is simmering away, only gets better no matter how long my to do list may be, and is super healthy!  So, think about it yourself, an early Christmas present...setting yourself up for a very Merry day!  Remember, it's a choice.