This morning I am thinking about Christmas coming. I am thinking about little details to be finished to show our family and friends that I am thinking of them at this wonderful time of the year. I am remembering last week when I spent a few days in Branson, Missouri, with my mom, sister and husband. We had a fun time taking in beautiful shows that were steeped in patriotism and the true meaning of Christmas, speaking and singing boldly about the Christ child. We so enjoyed the beautiful hills and scenery of this busy place nestled in southern Missouri.
My parents always talked about their time in Branson as they spent many days there throughout their years of traveling during retirement. Mom enjoyed showing us places that they camped and telling us about places they enjoyed which are no longer even there. It was fun hearing about earlier times in their lives, people they met, sights they saw, and hearing about the happy times they shared in traveling. Mom misses dad being with her, of course, and she wanted to take this little trip one more time to do some reminiscing. I am glad we went together to see and hear through her eyes.
Weaved through these past weeks have been many phone calls or texts to ask us to pray for loved ones who are suffering and some even fighting for their very lives. It seems like there is no end to the struggles and heartbreak touching those we love. Satan seems to be working overtime to cause illness, fear, and unrest to take over the peace we so long for. Even more important for us to be alert and available to those around us who need the best gift we can ever offer or give….our time.
Time. It is given new each morning, but such a precious commodity. It is fleeting right before our eyes and so important to use it wisely. Such an important decision moment by moment on how to use it. I recall a sermon given on the important and the urgent. Tough to decide sometimes or decipher the difference. But it can make all the difference in the world to someone who needs that gift of time from us. Maybe it is just a phone call or a short visit. Maybe the time it takes for us to pray for them, to intercede in their behalf to our creator. A note to tell them you are praying for them.
I am so glad that happiness is coming our way this week as we share with grandkids in some of their Christmas programs both at church and at school. It brightens this Christmas season, and bolsters our spirits to help deal with the harder things of life. By the time this week ends, we will spend time with all three of our Minnesota children with families, listening to verses memorized, band and choir music shared, and getting smiles and hugs that just warm our hearts. Time with family. The best gifts of all.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we concentrate on the gifts that Jesus taught us to keep in our hearts. Love, forgiveness, patience, hope, charity, peace, mercy, understanding and humility. They will all take TIME. But that is something we get new every day, so hopefully we can give these gifts freely to those God puts in our path. Merry Christmas to you!!
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