Preparation has always been something I was wired for. My mother did it, and she either did a great job of teaching or it is THOROUGHLY in my genes. Now, I don't want to say that I can tend to go over the top, but when I look around I see - "Shirley, you not only go over the top, you have become your mother." Ix Nay on the other-may. Okay, so I always put too many spring and summer flowers out. I could save work and money. The same for Thanksgiving (fall) and Christmas. I don't know how to NOT do it. To lay back. A friend of ours, put up and tree and a wreath on the front and back door. That is it. I nearly fell into the huge box of lights I was untangling. No! No! No! Three things.
Well, you have to just let people be who they are, I guess. I so enjoy thinking up new places to put a silly festive scarf that is different from last year. Or I compete with myself to see how many different ways I can decorate the front stoop. What I am trying to get at here is, each to our own. The real spirit, is the feeling you have about this time of year. Whether there are family dynamics, tragedy, financial issues, or anything; we need to have the spirit of Jesus in our hearts. To give and know why we give. Pastor Dane talked about that today. Why do you give? Give as on to eternity. That it is from your heart. Decorate with heart, give help to others, donate gifts, give special surprises. Tell people about the real gift from God. Jesus gave of himself to come here. There is no other thing that can motivate us more. If there is pain in this season, then go to God to give you strength. If there is a new baby (or babies - we have two sets of twins in our life)then celebrate new life. If there are people in need - give. Even if it is just your time to go run errands for them. Just GIVE! As Jesus gives to us. Prepared or not, organized or not, decorated or not! GIVE as He gave!
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