This past Saturday we ventured to Sperry, Oklahoma to celebrate Christmas with Michele's family. The reason for such a late celebration was due to the blizzard we had on Christmas Eve followed by the kidney infection that Alexis suffered through for that entire weekend.
We bundled up and headed out about 9am on Saturday the 2nd of January and made the 2 hour trip down the turnpike. We arrived at the Higdon's around 11am and settled in. Michele's brother and his wife were not expected to arrive for at least another hour and so it was just a matter of watching college football and visiting. Michele's mom was scheduled to go pick up the barbeque at noon for us to have a massive feast. Michele and her mom returned around 12:30pm with some awesome smelling food and still, no Raymond or Sarah. They finally arrived about 12:45pm and had apparently overslept; must be nice to sleep that long.
We then had an incredible meal that consisted of barbeque brisket, ribs, little smokies and Michele's famous cheese dip. In addition to the main courses, we also had a variety of desserts that consisted of some killer pumpkin pie, a tasty lemon pie along with some others. Needless to say, the food was outstanding and definitely hit the spot. After getting our stomachs full, Alexis was chomping at the bit to begin our gift exchange. Everyone agreed and the festivities continued...I always enjoy this part of Christmas, watching others open their gifts and seeing the excitement on their face when they open their gift. Alexis, Micah and Aiden cleaned up yet again and the afternoon was topped off with their big gifts coming when they least expected it. Alexis received a new 24" bike and Micah received an electric-powered 4-wheeler and boy was it awesome. They both were very surprised and enjoyed riding them around in the garage, since there was snow on the ground outside and it was bitter cold.
Later that afternoon, Alexis made a comment that Michele later relayed to me that really bothered me. She said, "All I got was a new bike, some clothes and a watch set." It made me realize how spoiled our children can become. I later explained to her that she needs to be blessed and happy with what she receives as there are many children that never receive Christmas gifts and would love to get what she received. This comes as a teaching moment for myself as well. It is the thought that counts and definitely better to give than to receive.
During this Christmas, I have realized the importance of giving. In John 3:16 we are told of the greatest love story and best representation of giving. "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life." God so dearly loved the world that He gave His only son. HE GAVE. What a gift indeed. He gave His son to us so that we may be rescued from our sins and the death sentence we should have. Another great example of giving is found in John 10:10, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." This shows that Jesus came to give His life and to give us life to the fullest. We need to focus more on giving than receiving.
In this New Year, we should consider giving more and see how God uses it. Three things that we should seriously consider doing during this New Year to make an impact on those around us should be the giving of: OUR TIME, OUR RESOURCES and OURSELVES through relationships. If we can make a valiant effort in these areas we are sure to make a difference. It is a sacrifice. It will cost you something. If you are willing to put forth the effort you will not be disappointed.
Blessings.
Anthony
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