purpleflowerpatchinOZ - Ask not what we got.....

Nov. 8, 2007 - Ask not what we got.....

We’re on the countdown! Two days before youngest son turns 15, and then six weeks to Christmas. Life in our home is a flurry of activity as we all focus on winding up for the year…though winding up has a way of making you feel like you’ve wound right down. Quick – give me a kick-start to get me going again!

Whilst trying to give mostly hand-made gifts again this year, it’s been hard to find hidden moments to work on surprise projects for those living in the same house. For those loved ones who reside on the other side of the country it’s been a breeze (apart from creative mental blocks!) so I’m up to speed with their presents, only lagging behind on the local variety.

Whispers, written notes, and questions abound as the teenagers plan their gift-giving – though truthfully, for the last while, they were still working through the ‘how do we finance this?’ dilemma. My enterprising 13yodd auctioned her collection of Archie comics on ebay and made a small fortune! With that success under her belt she is currently planning the next venture.

But seriously, in this lead up to Christmas my prayer is that we, as a family, can stay focused on the greatest gift, Jesus, and on the truth of what God did for us. He gave.

Too often with the young the focus of Christmas is on the getting…making sure your family and friends know what you want…the consuming expectation of gifts…the biggest focus being on ‘self’. Even though they enjoy ‘giving’ the bottom line is that Christmas is about the ‘getting’.

As Advent approaches we shall be talking to our kids about the true heart of giving, giving as God gave. Giving from a place of LOVE. Giving to bless. Giving to impart the love of Christ. Giving with no thought of getting.

We want them to give in more ways than gifts…to give with their time (doing for others ), with their ears (listening to others), with their eyes (looking at what others show them), with their hearts (sacrificially following the Holy Spirit even when their flesh wants to do otherwise), with their attention (looking for opportunities to make a difference, taking note of others needs and attempting to meet them), giving their whole self over to God’s will.

Too fast the years pass and the day when they will leave to begin lives separate to us will come suddenly, so there is an urgency in our hearts to go over the lessons of the past and refresh their values. Using special times such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, marriages, deaths, births, the Eucharist, Feast Days, prayers…those are the opportunities to share God’s ways, His desires for His children, sacrifice, loyalty to Christ, covenants, hope – so many things! This year I want people to ask my children not “What did you get?”, but “What did you give? What did you do for others?”

I hope they ask me too. May this year be the beginning of a long and Godly lesson we carry through life.

God bless you today!

Jenny

PS: For wonderful Advent reading ideas have a look at Lynn's blog.

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Nov. 8, 2007 - Yes!!!!

Posted by jugglingpaynes

I have tried so hard to instill that message of giving in mine. Marina is very good at giving and spends a lot of time on her creations for others. Not so much the younger two. I have to say it is hard when you have a lot of loving family that enjoy giving--aunts, uncles, grandparents that give them so much. But the message does sink in. I'm sure your teens will be giving adults because you are such a giving adult! Our example shines in a way our words cannot.
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

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Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Leigharev2