Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and is often neglected. Our minds race to think about what gifts we will purchase for whom. The holiday season keeps everyone so busy. To sit and relax is unheard of at this time of year. We run from this family to that family for dinner. We visit this party and that party to celebrate with people not seen much throughout the year. We sit in traffic and wait in lines to receive the best deals on purchases. What about enjoying the holidays?
Enjoying the current moment may seem rare. Our minds race with upcoming events or what chores need completed. Thanksgiving and Christmas both hold special meaning. We can easily get lost in all the hustle and bustle this world creates. These holidays provide a time to reflect on the reason we exist and the fulfillment in life. Give thanks for the family and blessings God pours on your life. Remember God gave His only Son, born on Christmas, to come and walk this earth and become sin. Slow down and reflect. Celebrate for the right reasons.
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:27)
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3)
"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." (James 5:7-8)
Don't worry about the troubles or stresses of tomorrow. Don't let your mind run ahead of today, focusing on a season not yet here. Be still. Be patient. Use every opportunity to spread His Truth. Keep peace among friendships. Seek out that family member who is lost. Reach out a hand of grace to those who have hurt you.
These seasons may be the only time your family gets together. Or, your family might not even get together at all. Take this time to reach up and ask God how to achieve unity among the family. Better a gift of peace, love and comfort than a shirt, toy or gift card. Give thanks to our God for each day. Do not waste time sitting in traffic or lines. Avoid just showing up for the family dinner, providing a dish and then leaving without taking time to love one another. Enter the party with an open heart and ready to be God's hands and feet. You may encounter many who are lost and do not know God. Take time to listen to others and really enjoy their presence.
Keep focused on the real reasons for the holidays and avoid falling victim to the societal view of each one. The companies use this time to gain profit which means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Be the one who uses this time to gain friendships, healing, peace, joy, laughter and love which means everything in the grand scheme of things. Take God with you wherever you go this season and spread the Gospel.
God, thank you for these holidays. Thank You for the celebrations to remember what to be thankful for and to remember Your Son Jesus. God, I pray that others will take this time and extend it to every day of the year. I pray others remember the reason for the birth of Jesus and what to be thankful for 365 days a year. This time just allows a greater emphasis on what we should be thinking about all the time. I thank You for my family and friends. Use me to spread Your Truth every party or meal I attend. Come with me to enjoy each celebration. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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