As we’re just days away from Christmas, I thought this previous post would be a good reminder for us. Hope you enjoy!
I love buying gifts for family and friends, not just at Christmas. I enjoy shopping and finding a special something for the special people in my life. Usually though, I find a few things that I’d like to buy for myself. (Anyone else?)
Today I only did one Christmas errand, but I did a lot of running around in general. As I drove, I thought about how one of the greatest gifts I can give myself and others is some grace. A whole lot of grace.
Right now, my office is a wreck. We have boxes and bags all over the floor, most with food for my son’s food drive. Some are empty and haven’t been hauled out to the recycle bin, some are waiting to be mailed and some are . . . well, I don’t even know what’s in some of them! My desk is in no better shape: it’s strewn with Christmas cards and school pictures that need to be mailed; my planner, Bible and books are in multiple piles.
My kitchen table has Christmas crafts all over it waiting to be finished and wrapped. I have baking I want to do and am trying to muster up the energy to do it now (at 9 PM) and clean up afterward. A load of laundry is on the couch and another is in the dryer, both needing to be folded. Tomorrow is another full day and I’m honestly not sure if I will be able to attend to any of these messes.
Instead of stressing out, I am choosing grace. I’ve decided not to get mad or frustrated at myself for the many loose ends I have yet to tie. Instead, I’m going to trust that most things will get done. They may not all get done on the timeline I originally wanted and if they don’t, oh well. I’m just going to do my best with the time and energy I have. I try to remember that Jesus wouldn’t want us to be frustrated and stressed as we prepare to celebrate His birthday. Gifting myself grace honors Him.
I realize that I also need to give grace to others during this busy time of year: to my child who keeps unraveling the roll of packing tape, to the other who wants me to play outside with her when I have so much to do, to the people waiting in line with me at the myriad of places I will go in the next week. I will gift grace.
Let’s slow down for a moment, take a deep breath and remember God’s grace to us so that we are able to gift it to others this Christmas season. Will you join me?
Praying that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
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