Most of us work tirelessly year after year to get every detail right in order to achieve the perfect Christmas. But reflect for a moment. If you ever achieved one of those Christmases, is that the one you remember so fondly? I've discovered that the Christmases my family and I remember most fondly are the imperfect ones; the ones where plans went awry, surprises occurred, and difficulties arose. Our plans did not work out, but through God's grace, we saw our deepest desires fulfilled. I've decided to be less obsessive at Christmas, and trust God to give me an imperfect Christmas that is completely unforgettable!
Next year I'm going to encourage my family and friends to spend more money at Kohl's Department stores. Virtually every other chain caved in to the PC Police this year. Christmas flyers were adorned with all the usual trees, candles, and garland, but the events being advertised were "Holiday Sales," "After Thanksgiving Sales," and "Season's Best" Sales! Only Kohl's intentionally and consistently dared to use Christmas in every flyer, every commercial, every sale. I plan to reward their integrity in 2009 and encourage others to do so.
Despite all the hysterics in television and news coverage, the Great Depression has still not arrived. Most homes are not in bankruptcy. Most people are not unemployed. As difficult as things are, the malls and stores in this area were jamming every time I passed one last week. And on the two occasions when I went inside, most people were carrying purchases. I know many people are facing difficulties, but let's not lose all perspective as 2009 opens.
Early Friday morning, my family and I will depart for a week in the Great North. We're off on an adventure to see my grand daughter (and her parents, of course) in Rochester, Minnesota. We'll be driving 18 hours straight through wintry weather to get there. If we don't get trapped in a snowbank, I'll share the latest from the Frozen North in a few days.
In the mean time, I hope your new year is full of Jesus!
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