Giving Thanks Time

I love this time of the year. Colder weather, bundling up, boots, scarves, sweaters, family, and FOOD!

But most importantly we are celebrating. Celebrating the birth of Christ. Probably the greatest gift, of all time, to the world.

At this time of the year, family and friends gather together to celebrate with one another giving thanks for all they have in their lives. It is a really beautiful time of the year. Aside from all the crazy shopping and spending, the root of what the holidays are is what we all really need to remember.

Quick story: I was at 5 below yesterday picking up a new car charger and a few exercise things. I was waiting on line to pay when a cashier opened up, called for the next customer to step down, and this lady who wasn't actually standing in front of me, walked in and went to the guy. Her son had a limp of sorts, so I was like, meh isn't hurting me to stand here another minute. But the lady behind me said, "Was she even in line?" I responded with a no but it's no big deal. She replied, "Well maybe you don't have any where to go but I do." I said, "Well, I do, but what am I going to do, its already done." To which she responded, "Say something." I didn't reply back and the next register opened. Moral of my little story and what I really wanted to say to the lady was: Its Christmas time and being kind to one another is what really matters. So what if the lady jumped me in line, I wasn't hurt by it, I saw her son wasn't of full health, and she wasn't really paying attention to what was going on around her. It was fine. We both still got out with in a few minutes any way. Cheer up people!! Spread love people!! It's about to become the busiest time of the year; are you prepared for that? Is your heart prepared for that?

I have been going through a transition period of my life. With graduating college, starting on a Master's degree, getting married, trying to start a career, making sure I stay true to myself, showing my family love and respect, and keeping my heart open to hear the voice of Jesus. I have been falling short in some of those areas because I have been focusing too much others. With Christmas coming, I want to try and balance everything out so by the time the new year comes I don't have to try and restart everything all at once. Sure, we all have a lot on our plates, but remember balance is necessary. Down time as much as busy time is needed. Loving on yourself is needed as much as loving on others. Reaching out for help is ok and some times necessary. Don't get lost in the Christmas rush of trying to get things done, check off lists, take a moment to breathe and say thank you. Thank you for all you do have, thank you for all that will come, thank you for your past and thank you for you present.

I really hope with my past few crazy years that I haven't offended anyone I love, haven't pushed them aside, or made them feel unnecessary in my life. That was never my intension, but changes happen, lives evolve, and people move on. Its sad to say, but we all know it happens.

Hug those around you a little tighter this Christmas, tell them you love them a few extra times, and make sure you don't beat yourself up for those that are no longer a steady presence in your life, just send prayers and love that way.

Give thanks always and share lots of great memories this Christmas Season!

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will you in Christ Jesus."

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