Approaching the Hurriedness of the Holidays

This time of year gets busier and busier the older I get.  It seems like everyone has a Thanksgiving day meal they invite you to, Thanksgiving day football game, and a Thanksgiving weekend getaway planned.   Then comes Christmas, with its travels, work parties and shopping.  We can really get assimilated into the world system during this period of year because this time of year can be a lot of fun.  There is nothing wrong with fun but we must be balanced and remember we have a purpose while on earth. 

I wanted to give you a few thoughts to ponder as we approach this time of year:

• Don't bow your knee to the god of Materialism - Our treasure is to be in heaven, not on earth.  Make this year different from years past - make it about giving to those in need and not about getting
• Don't go into debt - don't feel the necessity to buy everyone everything and pay it off over the rest of the year.  We must rise above that temptation so that we can walk in greater financial freedom all year long.
• Spend time with your family - Work parties, gym parties, and church parties are great - but if you have kids hang out with them.  If you have a spouse - spend time with him or her.  If you have a church home - fellowship with them as well.
  
• Give Thanks - Everyday - not just on Thanksgiving - for all that God has blessed you with
• Reflect on the previous year - What can you learn?  What can you do different next year to make it more effect for Christ?

I will be posting more on the holidays in the coming months.  I hope you all have a blessed Sunday!

Do you find you get distracted during this time of year?  What has helped you to stay focused?