Welcome to the Wild and Free podcast, episode 43, the Christmas edition.

I'm Ainsley Arment, and this week we're continuing our conversation with some wild and free

mamas who spent a few days together talking about homeschooling, life, and motherhood.

Today, we're talking about the feeling of failure and how to overcome it.

So grab a cup of coffee and join us on the front porch.

Let's get started. As I pause to consider the meaning of Christmas and focus my heart on what's important,

I can't help but reflect on all the different kinds of experiences I've had over the years.

I've had merry ones filled with wonder and pure delight.

I've had exciting ones filled with anticipation, new love and friendship.

I've had difficult ones,

clouded with sadness and silent grief. I've had bittersweet ones where I held a newborn

baby in my arms or smiled at my children while I quietly mourned the loss of my mother. I've

had meager ones when we've had to pinch pennies, and I've had abundant ones when the

blessings seemed overwhelming.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I've realized that the meaning of Christmas has

deepened for me with these different experiences.

And the true nature of love, joy, peace, grace, and redemption have become more real than ever

before.

The Christmas story is one of uncertainty and unexpected hope.

It's the story of love coming near in the midst of hopelessness and fear.

My hope and prayer for each one of us is that no matter which kind of Christmas you're experiencing right now,

that you'll know you're not alone, that you'll have peace

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