Spring, Summer, fall & Christmas!

When our Andrew was really little he used to say the four seasons were "Spring, Summer, Fall and Christmas!"  I am not a very big fan of winter, cold, or sunless days on end but Christmas, I love Christmas!  Yes, I admit I am that person who starts Christmas music early in November, and I love to start changing over decorations as soon as possible. (Maybe because I really do get to max out enjoyment of fall decorations with all of our events and activities!)
For many reasons, we must have a winter, but I could live with a season of Christmas instead!  Christmas is warm, sparkly, and twinkly, and any simple reason can be found to celebrate!  I am trying to take my own advice from the last blog and truly slow down a little, to stop and enjoy the moments.  It certainly is not always easy; it takes an intentional commitment.  
In our church a few weeks ago, we had a guest speaker from a local youth center.  He talked about how in the youth center, they sit around the table with the kids who come. On those nights they serve a warm meal and talk about their day.  Phones are put away and open discussion is encouraged!  We make every effort to have family dinner in our home as often as possible, so that isn't really what impacted me most.  I couldn't hold back the tears, though, when he mentioned how some of these kids just don't even have a bed to sleep in, or clean clothes or dependable hot meals.  So we had a family discussion (around the dinner table), what could we do this season to help?  
No doubt we live in an entitled culture; the online shopping mentality of - I need/want it, I buy it, it shows up on my door step within two days.  I get that, I embrace that convenience too.  
I don't believe we will change that culture, but we can learn to keep perspective in the midst of it.  First it starts with gratitude, followed by generosity.  Could we give up the idea of making our own extensive Christmas lists and instead focus more on being thankful for what we do have and spend more time helping others who don't have?   
What does any of this have to do with the farm and farm life?  Well, nothing really.  It really doesn't but that's ok, this is what we are working through in our home right now and to share it with you helps hold us accountable to follow through.  This week is Angel tree week and we are partnered with two local schools to help provide Christmas gifts to children in need.  The opportunities in our community are endless.  I encourage you this year, if you aren't already, find a way to meet a need.  Little or big, every one makes a difference.  
Wishing you all the joy, Hope and warmth of Christmas, 
dB