At the end of Thanksgiving day (a holiday celebrated by many Americans)
A friend posted this comment:
"Happiness is not getting what you want, its wanting what you've got."
As I read these words..I could sense an immediate connection between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thanksgiving is often spent counting our blessings, and rightly so.
For we are all blessed in so many ways.
And Christmas is a time when we give to others in an effort that we hope....
reflects our appreciation of the greatest gift we have ever received.
But, the truth is, we have barely finished our meals and moments of 'thankfulness' before the planning and the shopping begins.
Black Friday; a term we have become accustomed to, ushers in the hustle and bustle of an often frenetic time between the two holidays.
People find themselves buying 'things' for those they love in an attempt to demonstrate the depths of their feelings.
(And if you can get a good deal, all the better right??)
However, I sometimes find myself becoming just a little cynical, at the commercialization of both holidays.
It seems a bit hollow, at times, if I allow myself to peer only through 'money colored' glasses.
Fighting to stay centered amidst the flurry of activity that seems to be required in order to enjoy these times, seems to be a full time job, at least for me.
But I will fight...in this lifelong journey.
I refuse to give in to the slogans and ads that drive our society to buy, buy, buy with the little money I have! and the credit cards I shouldn't use....
The truth is, there are a lot of people, who will not get what they want.
And that's okay...because we have so much already.
So when you make your list and check it twice, remember to make sure that what you are getting that special someone...isn't based on the sale price.
Instead give them something that matters....give them your heart.
It may be a long overdue letter...
Or an offer to babysit..
A photo of a special time framed and ready to display....
Or an invitation to join you for lunch or coffee...
When you give from your heart, it is a rare opportunity to give them back theirs.
Remember, even if you find the perfect gift,
it is up to the one who receives...
to appreciate and want what they've got.
So spend wisely, give from a place deep within...regardless of how the world tells you to spend.
When it is all said and done...it really isn't about stuff...
And may we fight to remember...
It never really was.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankfu
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Giving,-Of-Oneself#sthash.mAMjjuKu.dpuf
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts....."
Colossians 3:15a
A friend posted this comment:
"Happiness is not getting what you want, its wanting what you've got."
As I read these words..I could sense an immediate connection between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thanksgiving is often spent counting our blessings, and rightly so.
For we are all blessed in so many ways.
And Christmas is a time when we give to others in an effort that we hope....
reflects our appreciation of the greatest gift we have ever received.
But, the truth is, we have barely finished our meals and moments of 'thankfulness' before the planning and the shopping begins.
Black Friday; a term we have become accustomed to, ushers in the hustle and bustle of an often frenetic time between the two holidays.
People find themselves buying 'things' for those they love in an attempt to demonstrate the depths of their feelings.
(And if you can get a good deal, all the better right??)
However, I sometimes find myself becoming just a little cynical, at the commercialization of both holidays.
It seems a bit hollow, at times, if I allow myself to peer only through 'money colored' glasses.
Fighting to stay centered amidst the flurry of activity that seems to be required in order to enjoy these times, seems to be a full time job, at least for me.
But I will fight...in this lifelong journey.
I refuse to give in to the slogans and ads that drive our society to buy, buy, buy with the little money I have! and the credit cards I shouldn't use....
The truth is, there are a lot of people, who will not get what they want.
And that's okay...because we have so much already.
So when you make your list and check it twice, remember to make sure that what you are getting that special someone...isn't based on the sale price.
Instead give them something that matters....give them your heart.
It may be a long overdue letter...
Or an offer to babysit..
A photo of a special time framed and ready to display....
Or an invitation to join you for lunch or coffee...
When you give from your heart, it is a rare opportunity to give them back theirs.
Remember, even if you find the perfect gift,
it is up to the one who receives...
to appreciate and want what they've got.
So spend wisely, give from a place deep within...regardless of how the world tells you to spend.
When it is all said and done...it really isn't about stuff...
And may we fight to remember...
It never really was.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Giving,-Of-Oneself#sthash.mAMjjuKu.dpuf
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts....."
Colossians 3:15a
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankfu
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Giving,-Of-Oneself#sthash.mAMjjuKu.dpuf
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankfu
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Giving,-Of-Oneself#sthash.mAMjjuKu.dpuf
