Sunday. We are at the day before Christmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas Day. And I'm almost ready. Actually, I AM ready - for I have nothing left to spend and what I haven't gotten, will not be purchased. I'm sure that many of you are in the same boat. I spent more than I should, as usual, but it is what it is. I get this and that for one, and can't leave the other with just this so have to get that too. LOL A circle that I actually do enjoy, it is just that I run out of money quickly.
I'm discovering, other than last year when I had cashed in my 401K and had money to spend at Christmas, that if I don't save throughout the year - or use the credit cards - it will be a very small Christmas. I've also discovered that if I don't start being creative, I won't be able to do do much at all from here on out. And I guess that is ok - it is the thought, not the gift. Nothing I bought was expensive; but when you take 9 grandchildren here in town, add 6 adults, it adds up quickly. My fear is that some year 'they' will decide not to even get together anymore because no one can get gifts for each other. For me, it is more of just being together, being family, and playing games together.
I'm awaiting the arrival in a couple hours of three of the grandchildren to bake cookies. I wasn't able to have them over last year because they lived in another city and school went until December 23rd due to the falling of the holiday. But, now I am working so that presents another problem of making connections. I've been able to have 4 of the grandchildren over already, will have the three today, and another two tomorrow. I enjoy so much having them over to bake cookies and make candy, and hope that the memories of coming to grandmas to do this will mean something to them, that it will come to mind when they have their own children of coming to grandma's.
It's the little things that mean so much to me. I think of little David who will love you and give you kisses, to Stevie, at 15, will sit and hold grandma's hand throughout a choral concert. Just because of love. Little things that I treasure - the way my 'princesses' will argue with me on who loves each other the most - 'to the moon and back' - to Jesus and back' - till finally they shut me up with 'I love you more than you will ever remember'. What they don't know, is that I will remember, God willing. My heart will always hold the banter in memory.
I've procrastinated and didn't get a baby quilt finished and need to do that soon and get it in the mail. My bad. Just didn't get it done when I should have - but at least I should be able to finish it soon. Perhaps this next week I can finish it and get it in the mail.
Went to church this morning at which we heard about loving others - ''Give more, spend less" is what the theme has been this season at church. Give more of ourselves, spend less out of the wallet. So I ask, what can I give that is of value to others? Oftentimes we will see a homeless person and if they ask for money to get something to eat, we will buy their meal for them. I don't share that to make us look good, but just to say it is the little things. I think we are all hesitant at times to give cash - although we have and do at times - but when we can just stop and take a few minutes to do what is asked - it can make a difference in their lives. I must admit that sometimes I wonder if they are really in need or have no pride in asking others to provide for them. If there is a need, I will give easily enough - and when I'm not sure, I sometimes still give, and I always ask God to help them do the right thing.
I think back over my past when money was nearly non-existent for us at Christmas. Oh, we bought a few gifts for each other and for others, but things were really tight. We opened our front door to two sacks full of gifts for us that year. I never found out who secretly left the packages (I told you I believe in Santa Claus) but I felt so blessed and loved that year. I've often thought of doing that for others. If I knew there was a need, I would definitely do it. In the past I've often adopted someone at work who I knew was struggling. This year we have helped a family in my new office - not with a lot of purchased things, but with things we had and no longer needed, but they had need of. It is always good to be a blessing.
My mama used to say she just wanted to be a Blessing. And I do too. I pray blessings over my children and grandchildren daily, for their protection, that they will be blessed in all they do. Our God loves to bless us - sometimes we have to ask for it. Just this last week I was praying that God would bless us unexpectedly (when it happens, it is such fun to see His hand!). We had a contest at work and I had no expectation of winning - but I did. And because I had put in my RSVP for the Christmas luncheon, I received unexpectedly a gift from the company - a really nice personal blender. I was thrilled. I didn't even know about the drawing! These are blessings.
I want to be a blessing to others - not for what I can give them, or do give them, but because of the influence I can have in their lives. We - I - have been given so much; I want to give back to others. This year why don't you think about it as well? What do you have that you can give away? Perhaps it isn't material - but the gift of your time, a phone call, anything.
Reach out and touch someone's life in a positive way today. You will not only bless them - but will be blessed as well.
Blessings!
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