If, like me, you're feeling a little swept away by the tide of holiday preparations, time to pause awhile...
O Lord, time flies so fast. Imagine, it's already mid-December. Every year, the flurry of activities during the season leave me feeling flustered, drained out. There's also gladness and satisfaction, true. But the frenzy and the strain that ensue dilute it.
Lord, beginning this season, please, please help me change this. Take over completely -- as I shop for gifts and stuff; as I plan, prepare for and attend holiday activities; and as I go about fulfilling family and social commitments...
At all times, please make me mindful of what is truly important. Remind me always that the gifts and the gatherings are merely bonuses, trimmings that round off the gladness of the season -- but they are not essential.
WHAT TRULY MATTERS is what's inside, the LOVE that we celebrate and share with family & friends and the less fortunate -- and I ask that You never let me lose sight of that. You have so blessed me, Lord. Let gladness and gratitude fill my cup to overflowing, that I cannot help but reach out and share, not only at Christmas time but every single day of my life...
