The Be Mighty Mom Ministry
This Santa Visit Taught Me More About God Than Any Sermon
Hello Reader
Going to meet Santa has always been the highlight of Christmas for me. Even as an adult, I would stand in line just to see him. There was something about the magic (maybe my inner child needing a little healing)
but hugging Santa always brought me to tears and filled me with so much joy.
So now, taking my kids to meet Santa is always at the top of our Christmas to-do list. But autism doesn’t always make it the easiest experience. This year, I wanted to make sure both of my kids were as comfortable as possible and could fully enjoy it. I wanted it to be completely about them, not me.
Maximus has been obsessed with The Nightmare Before Christmas since August and knows Santa Claus well. We practiced meeting Santa using Finnegan’s Little People toys. We talked about what he wanted. We even drew pictures for Santa. I spent weeks preparing him.
But the morning of, my anxiety kicked in.
Would the line be too long?
Would the music be too loud?
Would the camera flashes be too bright?
Would they be afraid of Santa?
The list went on and on.
I kept reminding myself of how far Maximus has come and that no matter what happened, I would be right there to guide him through any emotions that came up.
When it was finally their turn, Finnegan wriggled out of my arms and climbed right onto Santa’s lap. Maximus walked over slowly, in total amazement. Especially when he saw his Scout Elf, Dino, sitting behind Santa.
Finnegan was stunned silent but happy as could be, all cuddles and wide eyes. And Maximus worked so hard to tell Santa what he wanted. Santa listened to every word.
It was more magical than I could have imagined. The joy on their faces… the hope I felt… the comfort of that moment.
And it reminded me of something.
This is exactly what we should be doing with our Father.
When we seek Him and tell Him the desires of our hearts, we discover joy, comfort, and hope. The kind we cannot manufacture on our own. We can prepare for everything, try to control every detail, especially as moms raising kids with additional support needs. But when we let go, we make room to prepare ourselves for Him instead.
My hope for you this week is that you find magic in the holiday season, but also the quiet, steady magic found in the comfort of God.
Stay Mighty,
Devotional of the Week
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
There’s a moment every mom knows well. That split second when you’re holding your breath, praying all your preparation pays off.
But as I watched my boys step toward Santa with wonder and confidence, something settled in my spirit. All the preparation mattered, but the breakthrough didn’t come from my planning. It came from their willingness to step forward, trust, and receive joy that was waiting for them.
And isn’t that exactly how God invites us to approach Him?
When we take a step toward God. Even with shaky hands, anxious hearts, or a mind full of “what ifs”. He meets us with comfort, joy, and hope far beyond what we rehearsed in our heads. The delight comes not from having everything under control, but from knowing we are not walking into anything alone.
Reflection
As moms raising autistic or medically complex kids, we live in a world where uncertainty is constant. We don’t get the luxury of showing up unprepared. We think ahead. We reroute plans. We anticipate sensory needs. We carry the mental load of ten people at once.
But with God?
We don’t have to hold it all together.
We don’t have to predict the unknowns.
We don’t have to fear the things we can’t control.
Just like my boys walked toward Santa with openness, God invites you to walk toward Him with trust. Not because you know exactly how everything will unfold, but because He already does.
Delighting in the Lord isn’t about pretending life is simple.
It’s about resting in the truth that He is already in every moment we’re afraid of.
Journal Prompt
What situation this week do I need to stop rehearsing and start releasing to God? Where is God asking me to take one small step toward Him, even if I feel unsure?
A Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for inviting me to step toward You with honesty and trust. Help me release the pressure to control every detail and instead delight in Your presence. Meet me in the places where I worry, overthink, or prepare for the worst. Fill my heart with the same wonder, joy, and comfort You freely offer.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
