TIS THE SEASON

 I am SO confused!   As the Wonder Dog and I walked our path this morning, we were met with a variety of home decorations.  Some still have their Halloween decorations up (NO SHAME--I understand busy lives), some have their Thanksgiving decorations adorning their homes, and yet still others are ready for Christmas.  I actually saw one house with Halloween figures and a snowman by their front door.  We seem to love to decorate from Halloween through New Years, and then for the most part NADA.  It actually occurred to me that I should put a witch, a turkey, and a Santa on my balcony with a banner proclaiming

STATE OF CONFUSION

There is a entire segment of the population who insist upon putting up their Christmas decorations by November 1---at the latest.  It does not affect me and you are welcome to go for it if that floats your boat.   Since the period from Halloween to Thanksgiving  is so short this year, I left out my uncarved pumpkins, fall flowers and changed the pillow covers on the balcony chairs to Thanksgiving.  Could not justify buying a fall wreath for the short span of time--maybe next year.  There was a day when I went all out with the decorating for the different seasons.  As with most things in my life, I have simplified and find the simplicity freeing.

We spend a great deal of time and resources announcing the season we are celebrating.  It is certainly pleasurable  to see the children enjoy all the decorations.  My "Littlest Grand" who is three knew exactly which streets to walk down to find the best Halloween decorations.  He also refused to walk down the side of the street with the scariest decorations.  He would tell you they were not real, but he was taking NO chances.  SMART BOY!

As I have rolled all this around, it became apparent we spend a great deal of time preparing ourselves for the coming season.  It takes not only our limited resource of time, but also energy to get it all prepared for the one day holiday.  I used to laugh and say by the time Christmas Day rolled around---the day itself could be a let down.  AND then we had to dismantle and put it all up.  I guess that is why some of you leave your trees up year round.

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach would you consider preparing your hearts for the reason for the day?  My sister in law posts one thing she is Thankful for every day until Thanksgiving beginning November 1.  As she selects the day's post she is pondering all the things for which she is thankful.  A great way to reflect each day on the coming day of celebration.  I am reading a daily devotion on Gratitude during this time leading up to Thanksgiving.  It is so easy to get so wrapped up in the trappings that we forget what we are celebrating.  It takes intentionality to change that mind set and keep the focus on what we celebrate.

After Thanksgiving I will begin my Advent daily reading.  This prepares my heart to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.  Hopefully it will keep me grounded and focused on the reason for the season.  Intentionally putting the focus on the why--will lead to the joy and contentment that comes only from God.   HE is where our daily focus should be, but we have to do our part to remember and reflect.  May we ALL always put Him first.

"And whatever you do, 

in word or deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17