…SO MUCH MORE!

For most, holidays are a time for families to spend time together. The time is often filled with eating, talking, football, playing games, gifts, etc. Sometimes there may be tension that exists between family members that makes the thought of getting together a stressful one. When the time is over we are glad it has passed and we don’t have to think about it until the next time. For others it may be the tension from the chaos stemming out of the sheer number of people that will be there. It may be different reasons for you that cause such gatherings to be a stressful time but whatever those reasons may be it doesn’t turn out the way you would like it to be. For still others, family gatherings may be a time that you look forward to. They may be, for the most part, time that is very enjoyable. But after you are gone you may feel down deep inside that it could have been …SO MUCH MORE!

Paul sends words of admonition to the Ephesians about how to order their lives in a world that settles on being shallow, self-centered, crude at times and hurtful to others. He writes:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)

Paul’s use of words like “careful”, “wise”, “making the most”, “understand the Lord’s will” and “speak with psalms”, interrupts the run on of life and forces us to stop and think about what we will say and do next, and how we will do it. Just one chapter earlier we read, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (4:29) When we are in a large group setting, even our own family gatherings, and every conversation is way out of compliance with the above instructions it can become extremely difficult to choose the RIGHT words ourselves.

Let me take us back to where we started. Thanksgiving then Christmas is just around the corner. We will be spending time with family and friends during this season. Conversations and activities that we engage in can help us and those around us to become a better person. How much effort are you willing to expend to see that become a reality? Frustration over the direction that conversations can take in a large group will not likely be solved by being everyone’s conscience. Instead, look for an opportunity to engage in a one on one conversation with another person. Share personal victories and struggles. Show a genuine interest in the same of the other person’s life. Look for the opportunity to speak the Word or a song into another life. If the opportunity presents itself, offer to pray for them.

Time passes by too quickly. The moment we embrace and say thanks for a great time we are out the door and into the heat of the battle once again. There are more than enough who with their words and actions will thoughtlessly tear others down. In your gathering of family and friends this Thanksgiving and Christmas season make the most of every opportunity. Embrace the challenge of …SO MUCH MORE! Pour into the lives of others the gift of worth, of support, of love and encouragement and in your heart Give Thanks!