We cannot ignore our
relationship with God, especially at this time of year.  In addition to crafting the perfect Christmas
for our family and friends, we buy gifts for less fortunate children, bake cookies
for food cupboards, donate warm coats to the homeless, and sing carols at the
nursing home.   However, when we strike
out on our own in service to Him we get worn out.  We sometimes miss the joy as we tick through
our to-do list.  Without love, it is all nothing
(1 Corinthians 13). 

 

I find that when I
simply plow through my list of duties, I become stressed and weary.  But seeing each task through God’s eyes gives
me a special kind of energy.  I am simply
a branch extending God’s love to the needy.  When my relationship with God is healthy,
His Spirit flows through me.  His joy
illuminates my smile.  His concern for
every precious child overwhelms my heart. 
His gift of love is shared with each holiday greeting.

 

I struggle in this busy
season to make time for God.  But in God’s
upside down way of working, the more room I make for Him, the less busy I feel.