Last month right after Thanksgiving I called for a truce (see HELP!!! post). I suggested: "Let's put our schedules in check for the next couple of weeks. Instead of the panic that accompanies being ready for the next activity, why don't we all commit to living in the moment. Do you know what I mean -- enjoying the people, places, and things we have right in front of us. Let's take the time for the smiles and the hugs that we will give in abundance during the next few weeks to be genuine. Who knows, in the process we might actually get back to teaching those behind us what these holidays are really all about".
AND NOW....we're ready for an update.
Okay -- it hasn't been perfect, but my family has worked on this. Everything considered I think we're doing pretty well. We spent last evening with Caleb's Cadence (and spouses) and had a great time!! We laughed, we caught up with friends it seems we see a lot, but never seem to get more than 2 second conversations with, and we enjoyed the moments. Several days ago we had the Sebring contingent of the Smith/ Ward clan over and spent some hours just enjoying each other's company. Even during the activities (and there have been plenty) we've made a real effort to dig a little deeper inside ourselves to spend some time catching up with or getting to know the people around us. On Friday night Dawn and I spent some time with great friends over a meal and put aside all the holiday things we probably should have been doing just to enjoy their company. I have to say it has been refreshing.
Now, I'm not saying that there is none of me that has "almost" gotten sucked into the whirlwind of the holidays, but I have been conscious to live and let live this holiday season. (Except for holiday traffic -- but that's an anger management post for sometime in the future!)
Anyway - I've noticed some timely (and welcome) approaches that friends, family, and acquaintances are taking this Christmas. I love that most people in my life have gotten away from giving or expecting gifts this year. Times are tough for people, and I love that I sense some reprioritization around me. That is not to say I have not appreciated the gifts I have received -- I do. In fact, I think I more appreciate them this year than ever before, because I know they were given sacrificially and are accepted by us more humbly than any time in recent memory.
This Christmas season is shaping up to be one of the best I can remember. I look forward to the next few days as a chance to reflect on what is different this year and teach my kids some new traditions for Christmas -- traditions that all point back to what Christmas really is all about.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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3 comments:
Great reminders. Have a precious Christmas with your family.
Oh my how the tides have changed. It was not long ago that people were more willing to throw cash at Christmas than give of their time. Seen as how cashflow is lacking in so many of our lives, time is about all we have left. The funny thing is, time is much more valuable than cash, we've just been so ridiculously blessed with cash we were oblivious to the truth.
I am thanking God for cash shortages, and thanking Him even more for the time spent with family and friends.
I'm not so sure I'm OK with you having the best Christmas season away from us, but I do agree that in the hard times the re arranged priorities are refreshing and welcome.
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