We are about to head into a crazy weekend; I can’t wait to be stuck in the traffic of shoppers who are beginning to feel frantic.  There are parties, church programs, family get-togethers and I’m not sure what all on the agenda.  All of this seems to happen when it’s the time of year that snow falls on the roses.

Don’t worry, this is not one of those posts where I try to remind you (or me) about keeping Christ in Christmas; there’s still time for that. No, this post is more about sanity than anything else…

Actually, a theme has finally come to mind for this post, a theme that I can’t possibly get “hate mail” for posting!

As we enter the “home stretch” to the holiday, let’s make certain that we don’t forget to take a minute to reflect on those who are really important in our lives, our spouse, family, friends and others who make our lives a pleasure… or at least bearable.

Have you ever had the experience of making a gift list, and then rushing around trying to get everything done, all of the gifts purchased and the mental financial calculations that go into the spending, and forgot to speak to the people on your list?  I’ve even found myself, in days long past of course, beginning to resent them because of the craziness I’m enduring on their behalf.  Well, let’s no go there this year, let’s take time to appreciate our loved ones in real terms instead of material terms.

A smile, a word of appreciation, a hug… whatever is right.  I’m thinking that this kind of appreciation is much more meaningful than going insane at the mall.

But then, I avoid shopping at all costs; maybe you shouldn’t take advice from me.