What a Day!

Christmas in August, that is the last time I bogged. Ha! Guess I will never make a living blogging. lol In August Black Friday, preparation for Christmas seemed so far away. It reminds me how fast time really goes.  Upside Down Black Friday occurred yesterday and it really was a wonderful day. My kids weren’t thrilled to hear we were going to forgo the traditional Christmas shopping trip but after a day of rolling and decorating cookies with their friends they got over it. Hundreds of cookies were decorated and many loaves of bread were baked, blankets, cards and bag lunches were assembled and lots of wonderful surprises were delivered.  When I planned the event I was excited about making cookies, blessing others and putting a smile on God’s face. But honestly I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming emotion I had when I stopped and looked around the room for a moment. I am always trying to determine what is it that God is trying to teach me. I thought yesterday might have been a lesson of sacrifice, giving and serving. Instead, I believe what God was showing me is how richly blessed I am. I was not sacrificing ANYTHING! I looked around the room and saw my children engaging in serving with amazing people I have come to know and love. My husband (who out of his love for me) rescued me with a couple trips to the store for items we needed. My mother and mother-in-law worked all day cooking, cleaning, pretty much doing anything I asked to help make the day happen. People ran to get items that I didn’t think of, things that would add to the day. All around the room, older people were helping the younger ones and younger people were helping older ones. Strangers and families all gathered for a greater cause. God allowed me to see a glimpse of the MANY, MANY ways He has shown me love through the people around me. I am humbled and deeply blessed. I am supported by a church that believes in its family and encourages them to live out the things God has placed on their heart. Then at the end of the day standing in the shelter I watched a young girl have more compassion in her little finger then the rest of us together, love on and encourage those in the shelter. When most of us grown adults were dealing with our discomfort and awkwardness this young lady stepped out boldly and was Jesus to the broken. Wow, I am so blessed. I am surrounded by cheerleaders and encouragers, servers and givers. God has blessed me richly and I am so grateful.