If I decorate my house perfectly with starfish, strands of twinkling lights and mercury glass balls, but do not show love to my family,
I am 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 diligently create blog posts, visit and comment on all other blogs, and give all that I earn from blog giveaways to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the tree with baubles and burlap, 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 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.
Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
Share this:
Jemsmom says
What a fantastic and thoughtful post! I hope your day was filled with hugs, laughter and love! I know mine was! Happy New Year!
Lynnette says
I love this post and I definitely could use the reminder. I have a little trouble with the "don't envy the matching Christmas China and table linens" part, but I'm working on that!! lol.
CAS says
What a lovely and wonderful reminder of the important things in life. Happy New Year!
CAS
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
So awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!!! And Happy Holidays!!
DanielleisNesting says
I constantly reminded myself of the same thing last week. I didn't even end up posting because I made a conscious effort to put God and my family first. I loved this post. Hugs. God Bless.
Emily says
This just may be my favorite Christmas post yet!! Thanks for sharing such a meaningful reminder of the reason for the season!
Emily
familyandlifeinlv.com
FairfieldHouse says
Beth,
This is one of the best Christmas posts I have read. Not only are you clever and creative but you 'get it!' I wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Saundra says
Such a beautiful post you have shared with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
kasey says
so so sweet.
Thelittlebrownhouse.us says
Absolutely beautiful – and I concur 100 percent! Thank you –
jkjkjkb says
GREAT post!! Did you write that yourself?? Should be framed as a reminder to all…myself included! Have a Blessed 2011 🙂
Benn's Wife says
What a great reminder, Beth! Your family is very beautiful, also.
Shaunna says
Absolutely beautiful post, Beth. Thanks for sharing and hope you had a merry Christmas! -shaunna 🙂
Jenna @ SAS Interiors - Simple. Affordable. Stylish. says
What a great post and recap of the important things this time of year!
Many Blessings!!
~Jenna, SAS Interiors
Shinny Upatree says
Adored this post — great way for me to start my day after Christmas.
kristincita says
beautiful post
~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says
Oh Beth, this is so beautiful it should be read by everyone. We all get frazzled but must remember to put it in perspective. Thanks for the lovely reminder. I am grateful for your presence in my life. Enjoy your day!
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Jensamom23 says
Oh Beth. Thank you for those words. I finally GOT it this year. If something did't get done or decorated or made or cooked, I let it go. I focused on my kids and husband 100% and I must say it was the best Christmas we have had in a long time. Blessings to you.
judi says
beth,
what an amazing creative post! thanks for the important reminder that Christ SHOULD be the center of our focus. here's hoping that your days and year will be filled to overflowing with blessings! you are such a blessing to others.
merry christmas!
judi
dreams on 34th street says
Beth, Such a lovely post. I love Christmas and the days of reflecion that surround it! I know your day was filled with love and magic and I thank you for sharing it! *L*
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Beautifully said, Beth! How funny that a lot of that happened here yesterday. While trying to stuff my mushrooms, hubby wanted a hug and a kiss; the mushrooms could wait a minute or two but that moment couldn't. I hope you had a wonderful day with your family. I'm sure your Dad was there in spirit, and with you and your sisters.
Amelia says
Perfectly said -Look at the Love that Christ gives us – making good memories for the children is so important.
Enjoy this next week!
BJ_Mama says
Beth, this is the most beautiful Christmas post I have yet to read! Well Done! You've totally made me cry now 🙂 MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Cheryl says
I just love this post. Thank you for the reminder to always put my family and Christ first. 🙂
Merry Christmas. 🙂
Jaimie says
This brought tears to my eyes…beautiful!! Hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas together!
Debbie says
Beth,
I discovered your blog a couple of nights ago & was blown away by your ideas, photos, decorating–everything is so unordinary & compelling. Came back tonight to see what you'd say about the day and once again it was amazing. Your family is beautiful, your writing brought smiles & tears…thanks!
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says
So very well said Beth! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Taija says
Charity truly is the pure love of Christ. Thank you Beth! Such a beautiful reminder. Not just for Christmas but every day.
mom2marbles says
um, i'm actually tearing up…that was so sweet and well written! Merry Christmas! I love your blog! Hope you have a blessed new year!
Judy says
Beautiful.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Beth, such a thoughtful & sweet post. Hope ya'll are making a lot of fun family memories today. Enjoy!
Jenny says
Lovely post!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Wendy says
What a wonderful reminder to focus on God's greatest gift of love–Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
Randi says
What a great reminder. Thanks for sharing that. Merry Christmas!
Sister Pickers says
Thanks Beth for reminding us to slow down and feel the love of Christmas. It's not all about appearances and trying to do the impossible. What a great, thoughtful post. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Marie
http://www.sisterpickersblogspot.com
Stacy says
my are boys passed out from their frenetic day and i am relaxing on the sofa doing a little bloghopping. happy to have found you and really love this post. a much needed read for me. oh, and your home is beautiful, too!
Shortcake and Company says
Beth, I'm pretty sure that is one of the sweetest Christmas posts ever. Thank you for the wonderful reminder. I hope you had a lovely day.
Sara says
thank you for the beautiful post and it is such a great reminder . I can say that i needed to be reminded of that . As well i tell myself that it is more than if i where to bake ect. Thank you for that reminder. Couldn't have been said any better
Tricia says
Merry Christmas, Beth!
Such a beautiful reminder and a beautiful post!
Thank you for this.
xo*tricia
p.s. The picture of your parents brought me to tears. What a beautiful reminder of their love.
Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top says
Amen! Beautiful post! Merry Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful day with your family.