Being Thankful

I am so thankful for our family-time together during the holidays this year. I realize that only by God’s grace have we enjoyed such beautiful days together, eating special meals, just talking and sharing, going to church together and lots of picture taking! I am also thankful for our good health, knowing that too is truly a gift.

It’s a time of year that I find myself anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail each day as our postman brings greetings from so many that I long to hear from and have perhaps neglected to pick up the phone or write a note during this past year. Has it been the same for you?

The time with my precious grandchildren, ages 6, 5 & 2, just seemed a little more special this year than in past years. Watching their eyes light up with excitement just seeing the decorations in anticipation of Christmas morning was such a special gift. All the efforts Grandpa and I put forth in making our home inviting and ready for the big day was all worth it when the little ones arrive and enjoyed everything from the nativity to the animated Mr. and Mrs. Santa. I am happy to say the wise men did survive, although they had several rough days; and even though the angel flew several times across the room, she is now resting above the stable.

My prayer for the New Year is that God will continue to bless our family and yours. I pray that I will take the time to stop and be still more times than not, and just listen for God’s still small voice as I seek His will for my life. May I be more of an example of what God wants me to be to those around me. I pray for God’s grace each day and that I recognize its source. Most of all, I ask that God give me opportunities to be a better witness for Him; and that I glorify Him in all that I do.
Blessings, Prissy

CHRISTMAS TIME

Wow! Is it that time already? Of course, we are reminded each year way too early, or at least we think to ourselves, why must the retailers be so persistent in putting out Christmas decorations before we’ve even digested our Thanksgiving dinner? I use to let this upset me, but now I’ve changed my mind and find it much less irritating. Actually, it’s not irritating at all. No matter how early I think I’ve gotten started with preparations for this day of all days, it always approaches faster than I thought it would. So, why should I mind those ornaments and red ribbons being displayed back in October when all the time I’m thinking, I can use all the help I can manage with these subtle reminders of a jingling bell just outside my local Wal-Mart.

It also starts me thinking that it is up to me to make this a time of happiness, when I could so easily make this a time of dread, and focus on all the sad things that may have happened during this past year. It’s pretty easy for me to be quickly carried away with true happiness when I hear giggles and cheers of joy, and see smiling faces from children, mostly from those that belong to me. But you don’t have to be grandma to be quickly transported to feelings of embracing joy at this time of year. All you have to do is open your eyes and really look. That’s the easy part. When you do, I promise you’ll see it. Just look at those sweet little smiles that tell you that all is still right with our world. No matter how bitter the news reports and stocks are plummeting, we need to remember to set it all aside. Those are only temporal things; the things that truly matter in our lives and mean the most this time of year are our relationships with one another. When circumstances have changed; what we will remember, is did we make that phone call to a loved one that was nearly starved to death to hear from us? Did we spend time with those little ones that will remember this time of year and the time with us forever? Did we take time to tell our neighbor that we were glad they lived next door?

Through our Lord, He has given us the Grace to get it all done and glorify Him as we go about our tasks for this busy season. Will we choose to let Him direct our paths over the next couple of weeks, or will be run around hurried and frazzled complaining about the crowds and how much we have to accomplish. It’s up to us!