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Topic: Family
John Allen and I went shopping today. Sarah had done all of the shopping for the boys and for me. She had shopped online and in store. She had shopped on the way home from therapies and while out with the girls getting ready for the big meal last week. She has shopped a little for the family, and a lot for others. She has shopped until she has dropped. Making lists and checking them twice to make sure everyone got something on the list whether they were naughty or nice. She has even baked cinnamon rolls for those that we couldn't buy for. She is good hearted that way. BUT, with all of her shopping and dropping, she hasn't left me time to go out and shop for her.
So, today was the day. Oh why do I do this? Why haven't I learned that the closer to Christmas the busier the stores are. Maybe they have been this busy. I don't know. All I know is that it I'm tired. The crowd were nice, and there were no incidents, but I am tired. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it all.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shopping and giving gifts. And, many of the gifts that were are buying this year are going to help us live healthier and better. We never give really extravagant gifts. Still, I have that gnawing feeling that we are just doing too much in a wrong way. Do the kids really need that toy or video? Do we, even in the name of health, need that extra kitchen gadget? Should we even be giving to each other for Christmas? What am I teaching my children?
Oh, they know that Jesus is the real reason for the season, but do we really celebrate that? What are we teaching our children?
I don't know if I am even "speaking aloud" and asking you, my readers, this question, or if I am just musing to myself. My children do see us in action at Good News Mission - the ministry that we direct. They know that Mom is often gone helping this lady or that lady (she has a vibrant ministry helping the low income ladies in our town). They lived through the weeks that led up to and the day of our Christmas Meal where we fed 400 (with a lot of help from others). They write to our Compassion International kids and love getting the letters from them.
Still, with all of this, are we teaching that Christmas is a time of giving and celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ? Especially when I hear comments like "I don't know if I can keep myself from peeking at my gifts." or "Can't we open a gift early?". I think enough is enough. I really think that tomorrow and the rest of this holiday season we are going to focus on honoring God in all that we do. Talking abut the true meaning of Christmas. Talking about the birth of Jesus. Talking about giving more than receiving.
I don't quite know how we are going to do it, but it needs to be done. And it will be done. I need to think some on this and I'll let you know. Stay tuned for some interesting blog posts, and if you think of any ideas please shoot them my way! Thanks ahead of time.
Tim
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