One of Those Days
Yep. We all have them, right? A couple days ago, I headed to the gym for my Silver Sneakers class. It was still dark out. Anybody have trouble opening your eyes in the dark mornings—and keeping them that way?
When I reached the gym and changed my shoes, I saw my water bottle had leaked and my bag was wet on the bottom. Great way to store it in the locker. After class, I meant to change into longer pants because—well—it was cold outside, and I had errands to do. But my pants were wet (I had even stored them in a plastic bag). Cold legs would have to do. Then, I couldn’t find my car keys. I’d tossed them into my purse before class. Now they were nowhere to be found. Good thing I had a second set. (I found them in the wrong pocket later).
Next, I had to feed my car. Only the gas cap stuck fast. My car is very old and that had NEVER happened before! EVER! I had to ask a nice man from Oregon to pry it off for me. Then, I didn’t pick up my package at the post office—you should have seen the line! Ok, it’s Christmas time.
Why am I putting this under a post about gifts? Because ’tis the season of goodwill toward men (and women, of course). Instead of being a curmudgeon, I decided to laugh at the obstacles. None of these were tragedies, just annoyances. When the whole day could have been marred, unwrapping the gift of humor let it go. I could smile at those around me. Some even smiled back.
Let the shopping continue.
Christmas Tree Gifts
After the shopping is FINALLY done, (is it ever, really?), all those fancy wrapped packages under the Christmas tree are fun. Once they appear there, one can speculate as to what they contain. They entice us to shake them and listen for loose parts. Or maybe the squishy ones are the wardrobe additions for which we hope. The lights from the tree enhance the colors and the anticipation, too.
Then the time comes to tear into them, and paper flies everywhere to reveal the contents. Every family has a plan of action. One recipient at a time. Or all at once. Someone plays Santa and hands out the gifts—proportionately, of course.
Why do we do this every year? Well—it’s the culture. So romantic if you watch the Hallmark flicks. Or treasure the Norman Rockwell paintings.
THE GIFT
However, we all know the season isn’t about stuff under a tree. The True Gift never hid under the tree. No, He hung on the tree, front and center.
And He did it to save us from our sins and give us the gift of eternal life. It’s why we celebrate.
Jesus is THE GIFT!
We know it. We celebrate Him. We keep Him front and center.
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