Are we rushing it?

Since they don't make drive through baby food stores, I had to go to a real store last night for oatmeal. The babies were on their way to sleep, so Evy and I headed to Walmart- since they have cheaper food. I walked in with the normal hustle and bustle, realizing my choice of clothing didn't match God's choice of weather. I headed up an aisle and noticed pies- pecan, pumpkin, Paula Dean- I thought of snagging one for Turkey day and noticed they expired before the 25th- so I passed.

As we headed on toward the baby food section and I continued to notice holiday preparations- fudge kits, chocolate chips, marshmallows. Clerks are making it easier to shop- even pairing sweet potatoes, marshmallows and brown sugar in one display. We got our baby foods- a quick peek at the craft section, a quicker look for clearance clothes and headed over to the children's medicine section.

As I walked I heard Christmas music- I hadn't really noticed until then...then I saw Christmas decorations in the front of the store- cupcake papers, ornaments, cookie cutters, tins for decorating...on display right in the front! The dishes section- which last week held beautiful leaf shapes dishes in golds, greens and reds, were replaced with red and white dishes proclaiming "peace on earth" Suddenly, I felt a little panicky...with only a couple gifts bought, I was nervous about how it was all going to get done in time. Then I realized it was over a month away.

Are we rushing it? I am all about celebrating our Savior's birth, celebrating traditions and teaching my children about the joy of giving, but something is missing. I felt like we were skipping the important part- the need to give Thanks. As a society we should be so thankful for our many, many, MANY blessings. I could run down the statics on how we are the wealthiest nation, have the most of everything- but frankly you have heard them- and I don't have time! I feel like we need a lesson on stopping and savoring what is in front of us. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. I know a soldier will die, people will hurt, people will lose jobs, cancer will win with someone, friends will disappoint you, children will be sick, bills will be due, and a plethora of negative circumstances will avail.

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thes. 5:18

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they (A)may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (New American Standard Bible)

There you have it...The thief is stealing our season! It is time to be thankful in everything. Paul simply says very directly, "In everything give thanks." No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside those parameters, in everything give thanks. That little phrase enpante in the Greek means in connection with everything that occurs...in connection with everything in life give thanks no matter what it might be, with obvious exceptions of personal sin. He is saying no matter what happens to you in life, be thankful. No matter lot, no matter what circumstance, no matter what struggle, vicissitude, trial, testing, be thankful, give thanks. No matter what the situation we are to find reason to thank God. This is not some nebulous thanks fired off into space, it is a thanks given directly to God.

Let's take some time to be Thankful!