So the Holidays are quickly approaching. In two weeks, Thanksgiving. In a little over a month, Christmas. Whew! Time flies. Sometimes I wish it went a little more slowly like when I was little. Christmas felt like it would NEVER get here and then when it did, the anticipation was too much to bear.

 I must admit, I am not ready for the holidays this year. So much to do with so little time remaining. My main reason for not being ready is a little different this year than previous years. Usually it is because I never had time to shop leisurely. I always had to cram shopping in at the last minute. Or shop via the internet. For Thanksgiving, it was that I didn't have enough time to cook what I wanted because work interfered.

 But this year it is different. This year it is because of the lack of funds available in my account. Since my husband was laid off for 9.5 months our checking account has really diminished and bills have really piled up. I have to save each penny that comes my way. I know that the meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas are to be with your loved ones; to be thankful for your gifts received and for celebrating the life of Christ. I do not put less meaning on these things, one bit.

However, I would not be honest if I said that I was okay with how this year will play out. I am a giver. I love to give gifts and watch people open them and see their reactions. I love to let someone know that I was thinking of them. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, here…but, I am pretty good at picking gifts out and it is one of my favorite things to do this time of year.

In all honesty, even with the food I am asked to prepare for Thanksgiving, I am unsure if I will have all the funds available to make everything I am being counted on to make. I am sure I will figure it out some way, but I honestly would love to not have to worry about that one thing preventing me from not getting stressed out this season; money.

But to let it get me down to the point where I do not focus on God, family, friends, and all I do have to be thankful for, would be wrong. Matthew 6:24 says: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

This year God has really taught me a lot and is continuing to, still. He has really shown me what is most important in life. It is not things, or money, or what I can buy for this person or that person. What is most important is that I still choose to serve God. I can do that by providing my time to help my family prepare for the holidays. I can lend a hand to a charity providing for those less fortunate than me. I can attend each gathering with a smile and a genuine happiness to be there. For I know that my family doesn’t care if I come “not bearing gifts”. My family loves me unconditionally and they want to just see me happy and glad to be surrounded in love.  

If you are letting the stress of money, lack of time, or lack of interest bog your spirits this season; stop and ask God to show you what is most important. Serve others so you can serve God. Matthew 25:40 tells us “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” God is telling us that giving of ourselves to those we know who need our help, is the same as serving Him directly.

Do not worry about what you will get your mother, your friend or your neighbor. Do not worry if you can’t provide your family with an elaborate spread of food this year, either. Just be there in love and share happiness and joy with those around you. Hug your loved ones and tell them how thankful you are for them in your life. Honestly, they will remember a kind word or gesture much more than the gift you gave them. If you still aren’t convinced; what gift did you receive from your loved ones five, four, three, two or even one year ago?