Saturday, December 17, 2011

Rushing to Christmas

It's the holiday season! And it feels to me like we are all in the following state of mind:

Sally: I've been looking for you big brother. Will you please write a letter to Santa Claus for me?

Charlie Brown: Well I don't have much time. I'm supposed to get down to the school auditorium and direct the Christmas Play.

Sally: You write it and I'll tell you what I want to say.

Charlie Brown: Ok, shoot.

Sally: Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer? How is your wife? I have been extra good this year. So I have a long list of presents I want.

Charlie Brown: Oh Brother!

Sally: Please note the size and color of each item and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated make it easy on yourself. Just send money. How about Tens and Twenties?

Charlie Brown: Tens and Twenties?! OHHHH!!! Even my baby sister!

Sally: All I want is what I have coming to me, all I want is my fair share.

Here is the link: Sally's Christmas Letter

Does it seem like we are rushing to get presents? Are we trying to get our "Fair Share"?

Christmas is a time for giving it is true. But we should remember the true meaning of Christmas and maybe we would be wise to follow the example of shepherds over 2000 years ago (Luke 2:8-7, emphasis added):

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

The shepherds made haste to view the savior that was promised. They didn't rush to the local market to get gifts for everyone and their dog. They did rush to the site of the most wonderful event to occur up to that time. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I think we would do well to follow the example of the shepherds. That this Christmas we should rush to Him instead of rushing to the store. That we might follow the signs given to us today as the shepherds followed the signs the angel gave to them. That we might find him. Because as we sing:

Hark the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.

It was through Him that reconcilement has been made, and it is through Him that we might receive mercy mild.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Time Flies and Can Be Too Short

Today is Levi's eleventh birthday. Seems like only yesterday that we were bringing him home. I can't really say where the time has gone. I do know this; recent events have made me realize that life's too short to miss time spent. Let me explain.

Not too long ago a friend of ours passed away from Brain Cancer. A few weeks ago we found out about another friend who went in for pancreatic cancer surgery and came out with a short life prognosis. A cousin of ours was also recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 4. BAM! 3 instances of cancer. All 3 at different stages in their lives. All three too young.

It got me thinking about what I would miss if something like this happened to me. No parent should ever miss the graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and other torch passes that happen in life. As a parent, it made me realize that I need to enjoy the moments. Find joy in life now as nothing is guaranteed. Try to connect more and disconnect less. Take the time to show love, not just say it.

So I'm trying to be more aware of the moments. To love a little more. To laugh a lot more. To keep the frustration down (not easy that one). To be positive. In essence to be a better Husband, Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Friend.

And so I reflect on the last eleven years of my life. When our family grew from two to three. Reflect on all the good times. To know that as we are now seven, there are more chances to enjoy life. Maybe, just maybe I can make the memories that will last for more than my lifetime.