It's easy to replace His presence as a highest value with other things. Christmas season has this same battle raging within; So many competing values with Gods presence for Christmas. Our actions without meaning it become that of selfishness even in giving. Wanting for ours and our own. A value of family distorted by the increasing shame of not being able to do for our own kids as much as we want in the context of Gifts. Where does that shame come from? How did the value of family become about stuff over presence? It's the right heart but wrong action that distorts the highest value, Gods presence "with us". The prophecy that should awaken our souls bounces off the surface of our hearts holding tight a different dream of bought affections. I so want my kids to know my love for them and Christmas threatens to define that as presents not presence.
How do I fight it:
1. With every gift bought a prayer of gratefulness to God.
2. Context every gift with presence and schedule time with that kid with that gift. (Blake's art set a sitting with him as he draws, Gabe's shoes a challenge to a one on one game of hoops, Caden's gym a personal training session with him lifting.)
3. Give a coupon with every gift for time with them with that gift. My wife as well. Others as well.
4. A scripture attached to each gift that contexts the gift in Christ Jesus.
Friday, December 6, 2013
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