I find that life always likes to throw curve balls every once in a while and in my life they tend to last a little longer than I expect them to. Maybe I do have high expectations and underestimate reality!
Without getting into the nitty gritty of life as a mom with three very active young boys and a travelling husband I am choosing to focus the next 31 days towards being grateful.
December is a wonderful month to put this gratitude first in my life because it tends to be such a crazy month. I appreciate the real reason we celebrate Christmas, for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Often I can get wrapped up in all the presents and making sure that everyone is happy by stretching myself out everywhere! This year I am doing my best to keep things simple, give more where I am truly needed and be more inviting with the people in my community.
This is the season of giving, and I don't mean the material items we all tend to think of as Christmas comes around. This is a time to give more of my genuine self and help others feel the true spirit of Christmas.
Yes my children will receive their gifts under the tree, but there won't necessarily be as many. I am also making more of an effort to read the biblical stories that lead up to the birth of Christ, as well as taking the time to read our traditional Christmas stories and new ones we have found at the library.
There are several ways I am realizing to donate my time, money, clothes, food, and energy. We don't have to be rich with money to donate any of these things, we do need to be rich in love. To me the best way to share my love is to give where I can without exhausting myself in return.
When I first started this blog I was in a place of renewal, getting acquainted with my new home town, making new friends and finding where I fit in. Now I have found my place in the community, have many friends, and am actually enjoying my life. I am now in the process of seeing what else I can add to my community and what gifts I can bring to better serve it.
I am committing the next 31 days to writing my blog, even if it is just a few sentences. A little bit everyday may lead me back into at least a weekly post :)
Maybe you will find some inspiration and ideas as to how you can give during this season. Maybe you will be inspired to start your own gratitude journal. Whatever the reason is that you read my blogs I hope that you get positive energy from it. Originally I was just writing for me, but I have been told by a few of my friends how much it means to them as well. This makes me blush and feel all warm inside to know that I am making a positive contribution through my words.
Please post your comments and share what you are grateful for!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
