Happy Holidays, Spiritual Sister!
When the holidays approach, I tend to have mixed feelings. Give me a moment to explain. I believe you will relate.
From one perspective, I am overjoyed with the idea of Christmas. We decorate our home and make it all cozy and warm for the holidays. I am bold to try some new festive recipes, and the bowl games will be on TV! Yes, I am a college football fan.
On the other hand, I feel like just as soon as the holidays come, the season is over again. I reflect and ask myself if I lived in the moment. Did I absorb all that God had for me this holiday season, or did it feel like a blur? Did I manage my time wisely and do what God called me to do? Personally, I refrain from the busyness of the holidays as much as possible. Also, I keep buying gifts in my household at a minimum.
It is my choice to live in the moments God gave me. If I get distracted by worldly things that are not of God, that’s on me. As an older and wiser woman, I understand what true joy is. I know what peace is. I understand what purposeful giving is. Anything other than God’s will is not for me. Therefore, as long as God keeps my family and me under his protection, that’s all I need. I just want to operate in God’s will. What I have in excess can be given to someone in need. If there is a cause God has led my husband and I to support, we support it, and we thank God we were able to do work for his kingdom.
My children don’t really ask for Christmas gifts because they get things throughout the year. They, too, see the meaningless of overindulging in worldly desires. Apart from the Lord, life is meaningless. Of course, the kids still want things every now and then, but it is not near what I expected at their ages (smile)! A precious gift for me is when my husband and I squeeze in a romantic date. After being married for over a decade, what else do you get each other for gifts? A nice, quiet date is good enough for us! Time without the kids is golden. My husband and I value each other’s time and presence for sure. Even so, we stay away long enough until we miss the little rascals (smile).
During the holidays we watch movies, cook together, and love being home. That’s it! We may schedule an attraction or outing, but we don’t overdo it. We like our rest. If we feel up to it, and our schedule allows, we will travel and visit family. However, the older we get, the more we like to stay put! We are old souls. Less is more for us.
To experience the joy of Christmas, focus on the real star of the season: Jesus. Jesus is the gift, and we can’t out-give the gift of a Savior. Why try? Therefore, enjoy being saved and turn to more purposeful giving. Consult God on what this looks like for you and your family.
If God puts it on your heart, give to someone in need or give to a cause that would make God smile. This could call for a gift that costs a little money, items you could give to the needy that you no longer use, or a gift that just includes a little of your time. Some people may be having a rough season, and you may be just the light they need.
Try less of you and more of God. More purposeful giving will lead to God’s love being manifested in us. This way feels more peaceful and embodies the idea of what God wants. You express love by giving with purpose. Additionally, you don’t have to wait until the holidays. You can do this all year long! I have summed up 7 ideas:
- Deliver a meal you prepared to someone who was unable to cook for the holidays.
- Invite someone to your home or visit someone who does not have family nearby to show care and fellowship.
- Gather gently used clothes, toys, or other useful items that you no longer use and give the items to people who could use them.
- Check up on a friend or loved one you haven't spoken to in a while. Send a text or call them!
- Pray for the bereaved, those who are ill, or others who are facing hardships. Healing is on the way!
- Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or other great cause.
- Pour into yourself by resting, meditating on God's word, and spending time with people you love.
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Have fun and experience joy with purposeful giving, Spiritual Sister.
Sincerely,
Val
Want more inspirational posts?
Subscribe here for uplifting content delivered to your email. You can also purchase inspiring devotionals and books on Amazon. See the links below for great winter finds!
- God in the Winter: 13 Weekly Devotionals for Men
- God in the Winter: 13 Weekly Devotionals for Women
- Love Story: Song of Songs Bible Study for Couples
Want to master the art of waiting on God with a "That's Tomorrow's Problem" mindset?
Read information about the Bible study course That's Tomorrow's Problem and enroll today!
Want more Spiritual Sisters?
Join my new FB group Lillies & Lavender for empowerment and encouragement.
Shop more inspirational products and gifts at valeecedavis.com and view upcoming events to engage with other spiritual sisters! Take advantage of free downloads and browse my website, or simply take a faith step to get to your next level by registering for an event or booking a coaching session.
Comments ()