Christmas Spirit

It has been about a week since I posted last, not surprising as I have had a busy week with school, work, and trying to get myself in the "Christmas spirit."   Earlier last week I spent most of my time getting things together for Hannah's transcript.   I managed to finish up 9th grade year and most of 10th.   Organization is something I long for but never quite achieve and the boxes and boxes of papers/books/notebooks was just another indication of well laid plans that never seemed to take flight.   I don't know if it is because of the loss of my grandfather, the impending graduation of my oldest and only daughter, but I seem to have lost my "Christmas Spirit" this year.   On Saturday I had the privilege of accompanying a group of teenagers and parents to work the Convoy of Hope in our community.   I'll have to admit that at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning I had to drag myself out of bed.  I really had to pray about my attitude, but once we arrived and started serving, I realized just how wonderful that experience is.   I wrapped what seemed like 3000 hot dogs, literally, and I don't think I want to see another hot dog for a long time, but it was great to serve the community to share food with them and give them a smile of encouragement.   It was great to be a part of a ministry that brings the HOPE of Jesus to the community.  It was good for me to get out of feeling sorry for myself and focus on others.   Then, on Sunday, guess what my Kick lesson was on????  JOY.  How do I share the JOY when I am less than joyful??  As usual, God graciously worked.   I realized that the joy that I have is not from what material things I have or the people God has placed in my life but from the fact that Jesus came first as my savior and will come again as my king.  For the rest of this Christmas season I want to keep forefront in my mind that my JOYFUL spirit comes from God gracious gift of Jesus and the salvation that He brought to this world.  My hope is that you all will be filled with this JOY and Christmas Spirit as well.