December 24, 2008

Remembering

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 kitchens, carol in the nursing homes, 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 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'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. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Received and passing it on. May the coming year be full of love to share.

Sarah - Roots and Wings said...

That's great! Did you write it? Do you mind if I post it on my blog and give you credit?

Praise and Coffee said...

Beautiful! Have a wonderful Christmas friend.
Hugs,
Sue

Halfmoon Girl said...

I.love.that. Thanks for sharing!

A Stone Gatherer said...

So true! May we all remember that! Merry Christmas Hope

Patois42 said...

Wonderful. Merry Christmas. May it be filled with love. I'm sure it will be.

mom3crazygirls said...

that is beautiful! thank you for reminding us all!

Carey said...

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

That is the BEST!! I am sharing this!
Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas my friend:)

Anonymous said...

Love it! And just what I needed to remember this week! ;)

Merry Christmas to you, my bloggy friend!

gina said...

I love this post- you are truly an amazing woman, an inspiration for all!

Heather said...

Absolutely perfect!