Hope In My Journey

Well, the day many of us have been anticipating all year long is just around the corner. I can’t believe we only have a few more days until Christmas! Needless to say, I’ve approached, yet another year totally unprepared to celebrate this joyous occasion. Whether it is my lack of planning throughout the year, or lack of time and money the closer we come near the holidays, I always find myself stuck in the Christmas rush!

As a result of my procrastination and lack of adequate funds; anxiety and frustration begin to surface, and I start to easily lose focus on the real reason for the season. What an unpleasant place to be at Christmas!

Reflections of Christmas

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. As a child, I would always want to peek at my Mama on Christmas Eve, hoping to find her wrapping gifts late in the evening. I think I found her a time or two, which was really funny!

Now that I’m a parent, it thrills me to see my children hinting around at what they would like for Christmas and to see them trying to figure out if I have fulfilled their wishes.

A Time of Giving

I love the excitement of giving! This time of year, giving is paramount in the lives of most people. We live in a selfish world these days, and to me, it appears that selfishness takes a backseat and “Mr. & Mrs. Giver” take the stage. Even in my own life, I feel more compelled to give more, even though money is always tight for us. Just the idea of giving more at this time, makes me very excited!

Despite all the wonderful things that surround this special holiday (giving, family gatherings, etc…), we must purpose in our hearts that we will not let discouragement defeat us. As a single parent, this is not uncommon around Christmas. I often focus on the things I don’t have or would like to have (a husband is on the top of my list), instead of focusing on all the blessed things I already have. When I reach this point, God shows me that I just need an old-fashioned dose of Gratitude!

Goodbye Unthankfulness…Hello Gratitude!

Webster’s definition of gratitude is, “The state of appreciation and gratefulness; thankfulness.” Sometimes it can be very difficult to express an attitude of gratitude when it seems like nothing is going in our favor. As difficult as it may be, and as much as we may not want to, we must be thankful! The Bible tells us, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you ( I Thess. 5:18).

One good way we can learn to be thankful is by being…thinkful! Thinking about the blessings in life helps us keep the right focus.

Here are a few ways you can cultivate a heart of gratitude in your home this Christmas:

1. Show your Thankfulness to God for Salvation.

The greatest most important gift in life is the gift of salvation. God loved us so much that He sent His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth; to be born, suffer, and die on the cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world (John 3:16). Tell the Lord how grateful you are for His free gift. Share your salvation story with your children on Christmas day. Encourage them to share theirs.

2. Let your Children Know How much you love them.

Buying gifts for your children is a great way to show you love them, but one of the best things you can do for them is to give of your time. Spend quality time together. Create family traditions. One of our favorite things to do as a family on Christmas is to drive throughout our city and look at beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Even my teenagers enjoy this favorite pastime!♡

3. Express your Thankfulness to Friends & Family.

Not only am I thankful for the love and support my parents have given me during this time, I’m also grateful for friendships made through our local church, homeschool support group, and my businesses (daycare, leadership team). There are many ways you can let your family and friends know how much you appreciate them. Give them a gift or card. Send them a “thank you”note. When we give the gift of appreciation to those who have helped us along the way, we will receive a tremendous blessing in return…A heart full of Gratitude!

Are you discouraged this Christmas? You don’t have to be! Enjoy the fact that God is good, that Jesus is the reason for the season, and the blessing of being with family and friends. You CAN have a Heart of Gratitude this Christmas! Until next time…Happy Parenting! ♡