I’ll be honest. I was overwhelmed when I woke up this morning. Besides my regular tasks around the house, working part-time for our family construction business and all of my writing responsibilities, there are so many things that must be done in less than three weeks for Christmas.
Shopping. Wrapping presents. Decorating the house. Making ornaments and having our annual cookie-baking session with the grandbabies. Designing our Christmas cards and then getting them ready to send to 150+ people. Baking cookies and making candies for Christmas trays for my husband’s business colleagues.
Whew! Add to that: remodeling the house, work travel, and health issues that have given me tons of fun doctor appointments, and I think you can see why I felt a bit overwhelmed as I contemplated all that must be done.
And then while I was straightening through the house this morning, God gave me one of His oh-so-awesome attitude adjustments when He whispered, “You’re looking at this all wrong.
“These aren’t tasks that you have to do, these are blessings that I’ve given you. That shopping you must do means I’ve supplied the funds to buy gifts for your loved ones.
“All that decorating means that you’re bringing cheer and making memories for your family and friends. It’s a visual celebration of the birth of the King of Kings.
“Those wild and crazy evenings making ornaments and baking cookies with all those little grandchildren is a reminder of answered prayers from all those years you prayed for God to send babies for your children, a reminder of My gift of family to you.
“The photos on those Christmas cards are visual proof of precious times I’ve given you this year, and the length of your Christmas card list shows how I’ve blessed you with family and friends.
“And those cookie and candy trays you’ve made for 30+ years for your husband’s business colleagues? Well, some of those people never get homemade treats and some of them have never heard about Me. This is your opportunity to share some sweet treats and the sweet message of the birth of a Savior with them.”
So this morning, instead of being overwhelmed by the tasks, I’m overwhelmed by His blessings. By the many gifts He’s given me. By the celebration of the birth of a tiny babe in Bethlehem.
And, now, if you’ll excuse me, I get to go wrap Christmas presents, and I have peanut butter fudge to make. And if any of you happen to hear someone singing some loud off-key Christmas carols, just know that I’m spending today finding joy in all these wonderful task blessings that God has given to me.
Thank You, God, for a Christmas change of attitude.
Every good and perfect gift is from above… (James 1:17)
