Less gifts, more giving

So...in order to focus our attention on how blessed abundantly we are, to focus on how lucky we are to have EVERYTHING we need, I tried to change it up a bit this Christmas.  The western world's Grinchiness towards the Syrian refugees bothers me deeply to core of my being.  So, the kids got their pj's and a book.  The adults got something to open, just a token really, but still meaning "I love you and am thinking about you and here is something from me".  But after those gifts were quickly opened (because it was starting to SNOW!) my real gift was presented.  In the name of our blessed family, I gave to other truly needy families around the world.  Goats, rabbits, chickens, a beehive, a fish pond, a donkey, items to comfort and sustain people around the world just like us...but struggling just to live another day.  Although the kids enjoyed the "game", and I am glad to have spent my money on more meaningful gifts, I am left feeling a little bit of a letdown.  It is hard to turn away from the satisfaction of giving an exciting gift...but we will work on it. God's grace through Jesus the Messiah is the most exciting gift of all.  Yes.  All is good.

Samantha's first WHITE Christmas!