Thoughts on life

I couldn't come up with a better title and I really have been thinking a lot about life recently and thought that maybe I could share some of those thoughts and see what people thought (I have to try something since I haven't had responses from people for a while!)

Nothing much new to really update people about. I went to the Cinema this last Monday with someone I work with for a private viewing of "What would Jesus buy?" which I recommend to anyone because it really makes you think about what Americans do around Christmas and how obsessed we are with buying things.

It really got me thinking about how I respond to people and that I think that buying things for people is what makes them happy. I know it makes me happy, which really got me thinking about why. Why am I happy or why do I make myself believe I am happy when I buy things? I get a moment of thrill thinking about the money I made and buying something for myself. That is where the problem starts.

The money isn't mine. In all honesty, the money belongs to God and I am just fortunate enough to actually be allowed to use it. Even if you don't agree with that, consider this, the money you make isn't yours as it is a promise from the government that you have earned a set amount that you have to give back for other things. It never is yours. So why should you or I treat it so lightly?

Gifts can be good, but going crazy with it isn't good. I have other things I can give that reflect who I am and will mean more than food, which some of us don't need, or items that we will get bored with after a little while. Some things can be good gifts, like a day out or a trip to some place special, or clothes for that person that doesn't treat themselves out, but the gift has to mean something. If we only give or get gifts to feel important, than we have missed the point of gifts: Giving or getting a gift is an act of love, plain and simple.

For that matter, the act shows your true character in how you love and who you love. Those last minute gifts show that you don't really care about what you are giving and it doesn't mean that much. I am guilty of this on a number of occasions. Giving a gift should mean that it costs you more than money, but costs some real time and effort. Some of the best gifts I have seen given didn't cost that much but meant the world to the receiver because of the honesty and the motives behind the gift. How much time do we actually spend thinking about why we are getting something for someone? Consider this even for those gifts that you tell yourself are for a person because "they need it".

Most of the time, what we really need is for human interaction. Please consider doing more than simply giving a gift when what you can give is your time. You don't need to be cheesy about this, but consider who you are giving to and what you are doing. There are times when monetary gifts and simple things are what it is about, but take time at some point to consider what message you are sending to the receiver.

Besides that soap box, I can't think of much else to share. I am coming to the close of another half term at the school which just means time is winding down for the year. Work and life have to be more than just a walk through the same old stuff every day. Purpose is integral and I hope that you all find purpose in what you are doing this season. Just because you are in the same job doesn't mean this isn't the opportunity that has been given to you to reach out to others and touch their lives.

Remember also to have a balance between getting what you need and giving. Tis the season to remember that. I was informed about that today and am happy to report that my outlook is improving on my situation....that I am here for others and what I bring is valuable so value this time and enjoy what I can bring to this instead of worrying only about what I can get and if this was a right decision.

I know this was a heavy one to read and thanks for reading all of this for those 2 people who will but I hope it makes you think and makes you grateful for what is in your life. Missing my friends and family and wishing you the best!