Dropping the ball

I feel like I sort of dropped the ball this Christmas. I preach it to myself and others every year-- "Jesus is the reason for the season." I didn't feel like it'd be a struggle for me as I get older. I'm no longer counting down the days to open my presents or comparing whether my sister and I got the same amount. After some research and some tough questions from friends who do not celebrate Christmas, Jack and I even decided to do away with all of our Santa memorabilia. Surely with not getting caught up in gifts and Santa Claus, I'd done away with the distractions from Christ this Christmas... Right?

Wrong.

A new challenge presented itself. Every newlywed must go through it. It's the most wonderful time of the year, yet it can also be the most stressful thanks to an ever-growing family now that we are married. Don't get me wrong, both of our families have been great in understanding our new situation of living farther away and still figuring out how to do holidays as a married couple. They've been quick to express that they have no expectations for us to meet, and we couldn't be more thankful for that. The problem was me. My horrible attitude. How can I be a 23-year-old who is still just as selfish as the same 7-year-old who counted numbers of presents? I let all the driving, all the packing and unpacking, all the laundry, and all the hustling around just get to me. I completely lost sight of why we celebrate. I wasn't focused on Jesus at all. I was too concerned with MY feelings, MY hardships, and ME, ME, ME. The worst part is that I took it out on my family. I wasn't prepared for all that this Christmas would bring, and I didn't look at my current situation with a Christ-like attitude.

I've known it all along, but how quickly I forget that HE is there to get me through anything. It could've been as simple as praying away my stresses, diving into His word a little bit deeper, even asking my brothers and sisters in Christ for encouragement and prayer. But I decided I could get through my stressful situation (the holidays) on my own.

Wrong again.

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! He taught me so much at our church service here in Conway on Christmas morning. He revealed the ugly selfishness that had been in my heart throughout the holiday season and brought me back to the basics of Christmas. Who cares if we have to drive a little extra now? What difference does it make if I have to get up a little early to pack or do an extra load of laundry? Jesus gave up his life-- HIS LIFE-- by coming here to us on that miraculous first Christmas day. Can't I give up my own self-centered feelings to reflect on His goodness?

I dropped the ball, but thankfully, my Savior picked it up for me and got it rolling again. Not just this season, but EVERYTHING is about celebrating Him and what He's done for us. The hustle and bustle of holidays or of life itself should not rid us of experiencing His joy and praising Him daily.

Now, as we await another ball drop (Hello, 2012!), I don't want to lose sight of my Father and Best Friend. It's not a New Year's resolution, it's a life revelation. I'm finally ready and willing to put aside myself and focus on my Lord in ALL areas of my life. I'll drop the ball again, but He'll be standing right there to pick it up for me. And with His help, I'll be more open to let Him do it right away this time.