It seems that every year the Christmas season sneaks up on me. There are so many things I want to do, experience, and savor! I want to deck the halls with more Christmas lights, sing more Christmas carols, craft the perfect Christmas letter, drink more eggnog lattes, host more gatherings of friends & family, find the perfect Christmas gifts, and spend more time reading and reflecting on the celebration of Advent. I want to visit Snowflake Lane, the gingerbread houses at the Sheraton Hotel, Teddy Bear Hall at the Fairmount, and the tree lighting ceremony in Leavenworth, WA. I want to dress up in clothes that sparkle and attend the Nutcracker and the 5th Avenue Christmas performance of the Sound of Music. I want to go snowshoeing in the Cascades by the light of the moon on Christmas Eve after my favorite candlelight service at church.
I want Father Time to hold still so I can soak in every ounce of Christmas spirit available!
But somehow Father Time is unwilling to indulge me in all my Christmas requests.
Instead, I hear Him whisper, focus on what you have, not what you want. If you don’t, you may miss the entire meaning of the season.
Farkle is a classic dice-rolling game. The object is to be the player with the highest score. To stay in the game, you must roll a 1 or a 5.
In the last game of Farkle I played with my son, I was so focused on staying in the game by rolling a 1 or a 5 that I MISSED the fact I had 3 pairs which is worth 1500 points. I missed what was right in front of me.
Tweet ThisIn the book Acres of Diamonds, author Russel Conwell writes: “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.”
This Christmas, don’t be so focused on staying in the game of wrappings, ribbons, and Christmas lights that you miss the gift of relationships and the awe, majesty, and purpose of a baby being born in a manger just for you.
May your days be filled with the light of love, joy and peace this Christmas season!
I would love to hear your thoughts on Reality has just collided with the Holiday Season…Advice on what to do next! Please don’t hesitate to share your stories or comments below.
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Until next time, have an incredible week!
Angela
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