Random Observations from Christmas with Jilli

I really like this time of year...the Christmas season and all it's magic and wonder. I'll give you the "commercialism" and "materialism" gets a bit old...but, this is the only time of year that allows one to pause, reflect, and enjoy family and friends whether it be with traditions (going to see the Nutcracker, watching Christmas movies until midnight on Christmas Eve or attending Christmas Eve worship services) and new experiences! This year is the FIRST of my adult life that my Mom has joined us in our own home for Christmas! It's been so fun enjoying Christmas this year with her!!

Although we have held true with our traditions, we have also created some new ones. Of course, it's always a new experience with an 18-month old in the family and celebrating all the wonder of Christmas through her senses. Having Jilli here for Christmas really caused me to be more mindful and simply enjoy the moment!

Lessons learned from my 18-month old granddaughter:
1) The simple gifts are often the best! (in other words, don't overcomplicate things!)
2) Have fun, take a nap, then have more fun!
3) Don't fake it...if you don't feel it, then you just don't feel it.
4) Your hugs and kisses really do make people feel special so give them generously.
5) The lights and decorations really are magical.
6) Sometimes it's best hanging with your Grumpy.
7) Have some plastic decorations that can be played with--it's not always fun just to look at them!
8) Welcome distractions...they may serve a purpose.
9) Eat dessert first in case you get full.
10) Whoever has the technology gets the girl.

Deborah

52 Random Acts of Kindness

As I pondered what I wanted for my birthday this year, I thought "I don't really NEED anything. I wish I was turning 30 this year so I could do 30 'random acts of kindness' one for every day of the month." Then I thought, "I'm turning 52 so how coincidental is that ... there just so happens to be 52 weeks in a year!  WOW". So I decided that for my birthday I would participate in at least 1 "random act of kindness" each week and document it. 

It's crazy that in the very first week I've already been impacted in a significant way!  I stopped on my lunch hour at Hobby Lobby to get some art supplies to do a Christmas project with my younger clients. I had checked out and was in my car waiting to turn onto the street and there was traffic which held me up. As I was sitting there, I had the thought that a supplemental activity with my clients would be to send Christmas cards to wounded soldiers--can't get much more "random act of kindness" than that! But, I had already checked out, was in my car, and about to turn onto the street. I considered going back to the store later but God said, "what are you doing that is so important that you can't be obedient now?" OUCH. I mean, I would have done it later, after work, or even tomorrow. What's the big deal? The big deal is obedience when the Holy Spirit prompts us. So I looked into my rear view mirror and God conveniently had no one behind me so I could back up, turn around, and go back into the store. I got a box of cards and noticed that EVERY register had a line of at least 4 people in it...where were all these people 5 minutes earlier when I checked out with NO ONE in line?  I waited patiently and checked out. The woman who had checked me out the first time came up to me and said, "I had looked for you after you left because I forgot to give you one of your bags. I even went to the parking lot to try and find you.  I'm so glad you returned!" Amazing!  Immediate reward for my obedience.  

AND THIS IS JUST THE first week. I already find myself more conscious of people and things around me...looking for ways to be used. This is going to be an incredible journey and I'm thankful for the opportunities that lie ahead.