Timely Thoughts For This Time Of Year...

A good friend of mine sent me this from New Zealand. I thought we should stop and consider this because of the time of year.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on the meaning of Christmas, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband or wife.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things!
Love never fails!

In the midst of all that's going on this time of the year, I thought this was important. Let's try and keep it in mind, OK?

Now, let's go get some fresh coffee...my friend!