The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Yes!

I have always loved Christmas. I like the lights, trees, ornaments, gifts, parties, well . . . not so much all the parties. I like most of the people at the parties, but being an introvert by nature, I like smaller groups and not a whole bunch of hoopla. I realize that I could sound like Ebenezer Scrooge to some. I really do like the people and most of the activity, but I get overwhelmed by all of the "on time". Introverts get that term. It is not that we are trying to be phony, it is that we are trying to be nice and participate, just don't ask us to be "on" all the time.

Here in early December, I look at my calendar between work commitments, church commitments, and family commitments and just feel a little overwhelmed. Days are filled with incredible amounts of work, nights are filled with parties, ball games, church related ministry opportunities and family commitments. And . . . all of them are good things. I just struggle bringing balance to all the commitments and to celebrating the One who makes all things new.

The last few years I have had the opportunity to take the last couple of weeks of the calendar year as vacation time and I truly enjoy that time more than I can express. I have many things on the list to accomplish around the house. Many of them will stretch me which is actually pretty good. I need some stretching. I also am looking forward to some just hanging around time with family.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year, as long as I keep it in proper perspective. If you see me out somewhere, remind me to keep things in perspective. If you see me at work, a party, a church activity, or running down the road, remind me. Remind me to celebrate Christ.