Monday, December 22, 2008

Lord, help me to remember this tomorrow...

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass 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 spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of 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, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

-A paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 by Sharon Jaynes

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jen,
Thanks for the words, may we all show true heartfelt love for others. I love you so much and how you want to serve the Lord!
Dan

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,
thanks for this reminder of realness this holiday season and all year round. May your family have a truly blessed christmas and a relaxing time full of much laughter and precious oohs and ohs..
Lawana

DairyQueen said...

that's something I need to remember...thanks for sharing. Hope you and yours have a Merry CHRISTmas!

Meredith said...

I love this! Thanks for sharing