holidays and stress

I love the holidays! I love the music and the family visiting and the decorations and the general goodwill... I like the cold weather and the food and the food and, of course, the food!

But I know it can be a stressful time for some... and I wonder what it is that causes us to fret and stress and get all wrung out during this time of year...

sometimes it is family. your relationship with momma is strained... you haven't spoken to your dad in 6 months... you and sister are still fighting about something you can't even remember!

sometimes it is financial. barely enough money to pay the light bill, and a big dinner to buy and serve... not nearly enough cash to buy the gifts your kiddos want... or need... you can't even fill up your gas tank, much less decorate for the occasion.

sometimes it is loss... the holidays tend to remind us all of the loved and gone...

sometimes it is the stress of shopping for all those on your list!

whatever it is that causes you stress this time of year, let me encourage you to look for the good... look for the good in your family... look for the good in the goodwill... look for the good in loss... (remember, the reason you miss 'em is most likely because they blessed your life!) look for the good... even in the shopping!

if you know someone who lost a dear one this year, call them and tell them you are thinking about them!

if you have a warm place to sleep and stay, praise God and be thankful.

if your warm place is bigger than most, invite people over for a meal and good conversation!

if you have extra money (dig down, now), give it to someone you know can use it!

and above all, remember that people are more important than things... so spend time with 'em during this special time!

God Bless!