One of my favorite things about December is that I always see and hear from so many friends. I love getting Christmas cards, and I anticipate spending good, quality time with our families around the holidays.
This week a neighbor stopped by with a plate of homemade goodies. It made my night! We only chatted for ten minutes, but those ten minutes warmed my heart, something desperately needed in light of the tragedy in our country.
Both my parents and my husband's parents spent last weekend with us to watch our daughter's Christmas dance recital. Now, I know many, many women with strained in-law relationships. I also have plenty of friends with strained parent relationships. And, I hesitate to even write this, but in the end, I want you all to know what a blessing I consider our parents to be.
We have always been able to host our families in our house with no drama. Our parents are true role models, because they make an effort to get along with each other. My parents and my husband's parents place a high value on Christian morals--and they walk the walk.
How is this a one-minute vacation?
Some friends and family members make us better people. When they show up or call or write a card, our hearts expand--our lives improve because of them.
But some of our relationships bring stress--stress that we didn't cause, but that we have to deal with at high-tension times like Christmas.
When you dread the people who bring you stress, remember that you--like my parents and my husband's parents--can simply walk the walk. You might not be able to "fix" troubled relations, but you can be a light to the people around you.
In the meantime, think of the people in your life who bring you joy. Go ahead! Smile! They're wonderful, aren't they?
Do you have good role models? Who are they? If you don't, can you be the role model you always wanted?
Have a terrific day!
I, too, have been super blessed with parents and parent-in-laws who love eachother, us, and God. I've learned so much about my own parenting and how I want to be when my kids get married. Thanks for helping me stop and count this blessing today:)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a blessing, isn't it? I'm very grateful!
DeleteIt's funny - before checking my regular blogs this morning, I spent some time looking over old entries of a friend's blog that she doesn't update much anymore. Just a few minutes' glimpse into her life is always so refreshing to my spirit, and even revisiting old posts was like water to a weary soul! Joy-givers are such precious people.
ReplyDeleteSo true!! I love when God prods me to get in touch with someone I haven't kept up with!
DeleteWhat great advice. My parents are definitely drama bringers. One likes to create the drama and the other makes it by being overly selfish. I've been chanting your mantra for years. They might try to bring drama into the house, but it's up to me how I react to it. By not giving them the stage they crave, they move on to others who will. It's difficult, but they're my mom and dad, who I love.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read you enjoyed your friend's plate of goodies! I'm making a ton of cookies, muffins, and fudge to take to friends and I always worry they won't like it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
It's hard when there's a lot of drama. I give you a lot of credit for taking the high road. Oh, yes, I love baked goods! It's such a treat to get homemade goodies!
DeleteGood thoughts and sometimes walking the walk means closing my mouth and smiling! :)
ReplyDeleteSame here--but keeping my mouth shut is no easy task--I'm a talker! :)
DeleteMy in-laws were such blessings to me. They lived in the next town, so we were able to spend a good deal of time with them. They went to their heavenly home years ago, but I still miss them, especially at this time of year.
ReplyDelete