Tis the Season

...to be jolly?  Thankful? Generous?  Reflective?  Forgiving?  All of the above?  Yeah -- probably the latter for most of us.  I hate to say it, but I don't really feel all of these things in the middle of July.  I most definitely should, but I don't.  Sometimes it takes a dose of reality to really shake things up and make me realize just how fortunate blessed I am.  My husband is sleeping soundly right next to me...yet a young bride is mourning the loss of her husband in Afghanistan (click here to see her blog).  Two other couples I know of are going through a divorce.  It all seems so surreal -- so unfair.  I can't imagine the pain they are going through.  None of these people deserve these tragedies.  Why them?  Why at Christmas?  It seems like there should be some sort of "protective" period during the holidays so that no one should have to experience pain or death during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.  At least ~ I wish it could be that way.  Now, for these families, the holidays will only be a reminder of the day their lives changed forever.  My heart really hurts for them.  Again, I am reminded that I am very blessed.  I have four healthy children, a house to live in, a faithful, patient, hardworking husband, a job....the list goes on.  I think my last post talked about being thankful.  That's okay though...I never want to take these things for granted.


Yet, go back the start of my blog....these things are all heightened in sensitivity because it is the holiday season.  Why aren't we concerned with giving in July?  Why aren't we adopting "angels" or supporting toy drives in the summer?  Why aren't we helping out in the homeless shelters during the other months of the year?  No - I don't do it, but I'm thinking I should be doing something else at other times besides Christmas.  I'm not trying to point fingers - I'm talking to myself here.  Y'all are just lucky enough to be a part of the conversation..haha!  I need to work on that...and get my kids involved in it to.  The boys and I have already been talking about what to do for Christmas to help out other kids.  I want them to think of Christmas as "what can I give?" rather than "what can I get?"  And I know for kiddos -- that is a hard concept!  That is why I want them to decide the "who" and "where" so that they make the final call.  I don't want it to be like I bought the gift and put their name on it.  You know?


Anyway...I'm just kind of rambling.  It's very late early in the morning.   I'm thinking that Starbucks I had earlier wasn't decaf!  Please be thankful for the little things as well as the big things...pray for those who are hurting, and ask God the use you to minister to someone - rather it be in a big way or a small way.  And don't forget to say, "I love you" to those who mean the most to you!