The Reason for the Season
The pace of life has picked up for most friends and family. November seems to be the mad dash to complete all the holiday decorating tasks. The checklists are made, and the shopping begins. The local department store advertisements are checked daily to keep abreast of the special savings and deals. Truthfully, it is not my favorite part of the holidays. We are not early shoppers. We are not early decorators. We are not ready for Christmas, although we have many friends who are in full swing of the season. I admire their enthusiasm for readying their homes for early morning coffee, amidst the glow of Christmas candles on the mantle and a spectacular tree by the window. I truly enjoy the photos and secretly envy their energy. So why do I drag my feet to get the decor in place? I believe it is because I desperately want to enjoy the glow of golden Autumn as long as I can in hopes of staving off the cold grip of winter. I desire a slow roll into Thanksgiving with the glitter pumpkin on the table and Mr. & Mrs. Pilgrim flanking it on either side. I want the time to savor the not-so-hectic gathering of friends and family around the table with Mother’s dressing and my creamed mashed potatoes. I want to savor my sister’s vanilla bean cheesecake and the antics of our now adult children still gathering around the ‘kids’ table in true cousins-only club style. I want to delight in the littles marching around like turkeys while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I want to laze on the sofa with a full tummy, checking the Black Friday ads in the paper, as Daddy and the Pauls [my husband and brother-in-law] sneak in a tiny snooze in the recliners. Those are the warm moments to cherish without the expectation of boxes and bows. Tomorrows are not promised and as family gets older, each gathering becomes more important, more cherished. Each day leading up to Thanksgiving and later Christmas is a day to celebrate the glorious occasion of family and friends. Taking time to be thankful each day and to reflect on God’s many blessings humbles my heart before Him. I feel like the most favored child of God. I think of the lyrics of an old song from my youth, “When I think of the Goodness of Jesus, and all He has done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah! Thank God for saving me!” Our priorities declare our heart’s reason for the season. So bring on the warmth of giving thanks. Bring on the glow of Christmas and celebrating the Birth of our Saviour! Bring on the family , and the friends, and the parties, and the cookie-baking sessions. I want to be there for each and every moment that God artfully weaves into the fabric of our memories and hearts.