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| Zac and Eli with their bounty |
How many people can actually say they have SO MANY presents, they don't even know where to begin? My family and I have been so very blessed by the generosity of our friends and extended family.
It's the final hour before the end of Christmas day 2012 and I've finally eked out some quiet time to myself to sit and reflect about this season and what it means to me. When I was a child, it was all about the stuff I want to get/could possibly get/ hope to get next year. Now that I am older and have children of my own, I realise that it's that sense of anticipation and waiting that I enjoy the most. That longing to see what comes next but not wanting it to happen just yet since it will pass me by in a flash. It's funny how the year usually starts off feeling slow and the months seem to plod by, but by the time it hits October and November, time moves into hyper-drive and before you know it, Christmas is over too soon and we're faced with the dawning of a new year.
To me this season brings with it this sense of urgency to show and tell the people I care about how much I love them and appreciate their presence in my life. This naturally leads to being rather carried away with hunting for the perfect gift and getting stressed out with the festivities rampant at this time of year. Of course, I know at the back of my mind that it's really not that one-time gift that will fully convey my feelings but it doesn't usually stop me from getting all wound up shopping for presents. Now that I have a moment to stop and think, it occurs to me that I shouldn't have to wait until Christmas to demonstrate goodwill to all man. This feeling of "can't-do-enough" - that's what I need to hold on tight to throughout the year.
In fact, my attitude of service shouldn't be restricted to just the people I know but it should extend outwards to the people I don't even know (yet?). Instead of waiting for that one time of the year, when Christmas casts its magic and takes down those barriers of self-centredness and selfishness, I really ought to walk the talks I've been preaching to my children about showing love and kindness. I feel like I need to do more to share the gift that God gave us that first Christmas. The gift that our Father in heaven so freely gave to us - his Son, to become one of us to save this world from sin and death. I've been tardy about sharing God's love and grace. The time to start is now.
With the start of 2013 looming, I want to try to live more mindfully and to listen carefully to God's still small voice for opportunities to share a little of what I've been given. I'll need to pray for courage to do what I am asked and enough compassion to act immediately instead of listening to all the excuses I can think up! (If you read this, please pray I get reminders from time to time!)
