Happy December 1st! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving was a heartwarming experience as we had everyone home. Every bed was filled with its rightful owner, and everyone was accounted for. My husband's joy was palpable as he satisfied my kiddos' cravings and then some. They told him what they wanted, and he delivered. He shopped at different stores to get the freshest ingredients, pulled out appliances we don't usually use to ensure the meals were hot and ready to serve, and prepared every meal according to their preferences. If you didn't know, my husband's love language is food. ☺
As for me, my heart burst at the seams when we all sat together at the kitchen table, each working on our painting project. A movie was on in the background, but it was the conversations that kept us engaged. Most of the topics were light and airy; however, a few went deeper. I had imagined this day for months, and it didn't disappoint. I'm already looking forward to the kids' return for winter break so we can do it all over again.
One tradition that starts today and will continue every day until Christmas is to read one chapter in the book of Luke. It's such a beautiful way to recount the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's so easy to get caught up in the decorations, the shopping, and the extra gatherings, but it's crucial to remember the reason for the season. A chapter a day keeps the nonsense away.
While reading the first chapter today, I had the idea to be more intentional with my time, not so much to make more time for myself but for someone else. Some ideas that came to mind are to write encouraging notes and/or prayers and leave them in a public restroom so someone can read them or put one on a stranger's car windshield. Buy someone's meal who is sitting nearby at a restaurant or pay for the car behind you at a drive-thru. Drop off blankets and toys at an animal shelter. It can be even simpler, like giving up parking spaces so others can park closer to the door. Let others go ahead of you at the cashier line. Return stray shopping carts at a busy parking lot. The possibilities are endless.
Would you like to join me in doing at least one or two kind act every day? It only requires a little creativity. Think of what you would like and do it for someone else. Let's make this Christmas holiday season selfless and more fruitful.
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