With Christmas quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to stop for a minute and examine our hearts for the days ahead. It’s a tricky time of year. It’s extremely busy and our attention can easily become divided between celebrating Jesus’ birth and getting caught up in the Santa-centered and celebratory rush of gift exchanges, holiday parties and family traditions.
Wrapping up one year and entering into the next brings with it mixed feelings. Years marked by pain or transition can’t end fast enough, while sweet seasons beg to be savored until the drop of the ball at midnight on December 31st. No matter the way one year ends and another starts, I have found it helpful (even therapeutic) to make time to reflect on the last twelve months and then dream about what I hope the coming days will hold.
Growing up in Uganda, Christmas was always a big deal. I was constantly surrounded by both close and extended family during this time. We would swap stories from the year, go to church together and eat lots of good food. However, I never realized the importance and value of being surrounded by family during the Christmas season until I moved to this country for college.
If you know me, you know I love Christmas—I think it’s just in my blood! I was born twelve days before Christmas and almost given the middle name, Noel (which would have been super appropriate!). We were married one week before Christmas and I’ve requested a Christmas carol sung at my funeral, no matter the season. Sometimes I listen to Christmas music in June, and I feel “warm fuzzies” inside when I see the trees and decorations fill the stores in early fall.
Are you struggling to have an attitude of gratitude with all the day’s activities ahead? The “stuff” of life sure can eclipse God’s blessings for all of us. So much to do, so many people to deal with and a huge meal to prepare…yikes! Here’s a little lesson on being grateful that God taught me a long time ago.
