As the Christmas decorations are being put away and presents are being put in there new homes brings back memories from years past. When I was little my brother, Joel, and I would always have this "contest" to see who would get more presents under the tree. It didn't matter to us that Momma and Daddy spent the same amount on the both of us just who got more. Christmas isn't about the presents. It's about the birth of Jesus and the time you spend with you family rejoicing that wonderful birth.
This year I took on the task of making some of my friends and most of my family's Christmas gifts this year. A smile means so much more to something you've made yourself than something you went out a bought. Sure it was more work, more time and thought but it was worth it.
As we went back to school yesterday many asked what was my favorite gift I got. I had to think for awhile but then I told them the time with my family and a best friend. Their first reaction was you enjoyed your family time that much? Yes, I did. Christmas night we went to my uncle’s house, my Dad's brothers. We sat around and told stories about anything and everything. At one point everyone was listening to my aunt tell her story and then she got to the point and everyone, I mean EVERYONE, had a smile on their face of were laughing. My aunt was even having trouble finishing her story she was laughing so hard. Isn't that how it’s supposed to be?
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2
Then my friends second reaction to my answer was you got a best friend? What's that suppose to mean? Once I explained what I meant by the birth of Jesus and he being my best friend they like that. I over heard them asking someone else and when the other person ended and asked my friend how about you? I heard my friend repeat my best friend answer. That was kind of neat. :)
Then of course came the questions of, what did you do for new years and what resolutions did you make? My new year’s resolution this year is... To have closer relationships and kinder actions. Growing and becoming more confident in both myself and my faith. Not being attached to mistakes, choices, forgiving and letting go things of the past. Loving, cherishing, and making the most of anything and everything this New Year.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Most people who make resolutions do really well for the first few weeks’ maybe even months, but they are soon broken and forgotten. I'm guilty of it. This year I'm going to work at that not being true. I put my resolution on my mirror in my room in which I look at, at least twice a day.
Will you be one to join me in not getting caught up in the presents of Christmas but the real reason and the time with family?
Will you also join me in going threw with the resolutions made this 2011 year?