A trip to Publix.....

Grocery shopping at Publix today was quite an experience! You would think it was 12 days until Christmas. We could not believe all the Christmas stuff that was out- foods, toys, decorations, tableware,- you name it- Publix had it! When I was little, I used to love this time of year. My family would spend the entire time getting ready- chopping down a tree (literally!), decorating, baking, wrapping presents, being involved in church activities,- it was just an awesome experience- BUT that experience did not start until the day after Thanksgiving- my personal all time favorite holiday! I can remember wanting to go to the local Pic-N-Save and see their toy Christmas display- it was awesome. They had these glass boxes with all kinds of battery powered toys, race tracks, trains, etc.- The stores just came alive AFTER Thanksgiving. And, not one day before! When did it all change? I remember being in Lowes with the girls right before Halloween picking up some bird seed, and seeing aisles of Christmas decorations already out. M and B thought that was quite odd too- but our society seems to push the commercialism of the holiday.

B is in the church Christmas musical this year, (M has a tap class on Wednesdays) and I have really impressed her upon the reason for the season. They are doing the Christmas County Spelling Bee and when I hear our children choirs sing those songs, I think, do they really understand the message? And then, when I teach my students on Sunday mornings, and we talk about the songs, the season, and the spirit of Christmas, I leave their with hope that yes- they really do get it! It gives me hope that they have not lost the true meaning, and will rejoice with their families about the birth of Christ!

It becomes a great time of reflection for me, this holiday season. I think I can say that I have arrived, that I am content with where I am and what I have. In my earlier years, as I am sure D and E can attest I was a little crazy with order and perfection. Now, I know, that there are some of you that would still say that I am still that way, but I can honestly say I have relaxed a lot (o.k, maybe a bit), and given up some of the order and perfection. I can even say, that it doesn't bother me MOST of the time when I let things slide at the urging of my chaotic family. There are those rare moments, when I feel the house isn't up to par, the cabinets and closets are a mess, and the perfect world that I dream about has been lost forever, much to my families delight! And it does still drive me a little crazy! But I have come to realize that taking the kids to the park, reading a good book, or typing a great paper is just as important as order and perfection. I've always thought God had the best humor, and matching me up with my husband and kids is quite amusing! They are certainly playful, cheerful, and relaxed (well, maybe not M), but none of them have that "no stuff laying around syndrome" unless of course you count bodies! In looking back, I can see how the balls I juggle have become less, and the time I have has become so much more. My faith, my family, and my friends have all appeared at the right time, and with the right dose of encouragement and love.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be thankful. My family is blessed we have enough, we have been given Spiritual wisdom, and we have each other. We will continue to give thanks and count our many blessings! We will not fall into the commercialism of this time of year, we will not forget the most precious gift that was given to us, that did not cost, that was not out of our reach, and that did not cause us great stress! We will rejoice in the true Spirit of this holiday season - time that we will spend with family and friends, church activities, and reflection about how great our lives have become!

" Come into this city with songs of thanksgiving and into his courtyards with songs of praise. Thank him and praise his name. The Lord is good. His love is forever, and his loyalty goes on and on" - Psalm 100:4-5.
Do not stress this holiday season my friend, the one you need is loyal forever. Do not worry about the pressures of what's under the tree, rather teach those around you the true meaning of this blessing we call Christmas

"Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let their be peace among the people who please God." - Luke 2:14