My Parent's Make Christmas Special

When I was a kid, I lived for Christmas morning.
I couldn't sleep for a week before Christmas, eat up with anticipation.
To make it even more pathetic, I would tear around the scotch tape in
an effort to peak at my presents.
Of course, being the genius I am, it never crossed my mind that my folks
could detect the small tears in the wrapping paper.
In hindsight, I realize now that I wasn't near as subtle as I thought.
Every Christmas my presents looked like they were violated by a
steroid driven paper shredder.
My parents loved me enough to let me live with the delusion that
I got away with sneak'n peaks at my presents.
My parents were teaching me two life lessons.
First, choose your battles. 2 Chronicles 32:8 God works behind
the scenes bringing about success in areas we ought to leave alone.
Not every hill is worth dying on.
For instance, when it came to completing my math homework,
they were less understanding and tolerant.
And once again God came to my rescue by bringing me a wife that
is a highly skilled accountant. She more than makes up for my
inability to accurately crunch numbers.
Second, "love covers a multitude of sins". 1 Peter 4:8 Face it,
on occasion, in the interest of love, peace, and harmony, you just
have to allow non consequential glitches to ride past uncorrected.
Rubbing someone's face in a minor issue is not only humiliating
but creates resentment that demands retribution.
And as my friend Forrest Gump says, "And that's all I have to say
about that"

Christmas Lights

Yup, it's the Christmas season.
Love it or dread it, it still rolls around as regularly as Mondays.
My wife mentioned that we needed a Christmas tree this year. Since we haven't put one up in a decade, I glibly suggested that WalMart has 3 foot artificial trees on sale. My sweetie mentioned that a natural tree was needed. So I grabbed my trusty hatchet and wandered up the hill behind my house in search of the elusive Charlie Brown Christmas tree. After hacking down a small pine, I visited the WalMart for lights and tree stuff.

As is was doing my bit to boost China's economy by shopping at the WalMart, I realized Christmas tree lights reminded me of Genesis 1:3-4, God said, "Let there be light" and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness".

Wrap your head around this, God didnt create the sun until 4 days later, after he created plant life. God provided everything plants needed to live before there was a sun. How cool is that?

God spoke and there was light. And the light pushed back darkness and sustained the new life.

One of my most favorite things to do, is get up about 3 in the morning, sit in my chair and watch the Christmas tree lights. The glowing lights push back the darkness and give me hope for a new year. A new beginning to right wrongs. A new beginning to learn from mistakes. A new beginning to reach out to those in need.

So as you look at your Christmas tree lights, remember the bright star over Bethleham that guided the wisemen to Jesus. Gods light providing direction.

John 8:12 "Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"

Monday Morning Prayer....

"Lord, there is a lot of my plate this week.  Please help me to keep things in perspective, remain calm and positive.  The Christmas season tends to make me impatient and snarky.  So as you bring Your daily blessings to my mind, I will keep my thoughts and opinions on things that You approve of.  And please give me fresh eyes to see those in need around me.  Whether they need a helping hand financially, emotionally or spiritually, please make me aware of their need and soften my heart.  Thank You for living in my heart and life. Amen."
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"