AmyGubser.com

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, and I feel like I have already reached my limit for shopping and dealing with the craziness of the holiday commercialization.  I think part of it is because my eyes are just more open this year because of certain things that I have seen friends go through in the last several months, and even because of my own walk and where I feel like God has been leading me.  And I’m not saying this from a “Look at how good I am” standpoint…I just feel like God has been opening my eyes to the REALLY important things in life. 

I had to go to Coralville today and I stopped at the mall.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  It was all sorts of craziness.  I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t been to the mall on a Saturday in a while (if we go, it’s usually on a Monday when Kelly has the day off), but I know people were Christmas shopping, too.  People were bumping into me, into the stroller, I had to drive around the parking lot numerous times to get a space, people were just rude!  And I have to admit, after walking through Target once, I probably wasn’t very pleasant, either.  And I know of two malls that are opening at 12:00 MIDNIGHT on Thursday night/Friday morning.  WHAT??

As I was driving home, I was just thinking about how I really don’t want to get caught up in that this year, or ever, really.  I want to concentrate on what I’m really thankful for.  My family, my friends, my church.  I am so thankful for God and that he is showing me that He didn’t send Jesus to this earth just to die on the cross for my sins, but also because He wants to be THE priority in my life.  He wants my life to bring Him glory.

Amidst this crazy day, my mind and heart were on two sets of friends.  Both sets are at different spots on adoption journeys.  Right now, one couple is in Russia, and have been reunited with their son who they will be taking home to Alaska in a fairly short period of time.  The other couple is on their way to Sierra Leone, Africa to meet their new son and daughter and be present at a court hearing where the African courts will grant them adoption rights.  They will then have to come back to Iowa and wait 2-4 months before they can go back to bring them home for good.  These families have been on my heart all day.  I can’t help but think that they are truly listening to God, even when it means laying it all on the line. 

I’m hoping that this year I can keep my focus on what Thanksgiving and Christmas really mean.  Yes, I think we can still have fun.  It will be a blast to watch Harrison open his gifts.  I love giving our nephews gifts and making them feel special.  I love baking for our neighbors and friends.  But instead of spending so much time preparing these things, I want to spend time WITH family and friends.  I want to teach Harrison why we’re celebrating Christmas, and what it means to truly have a giving spirit.  Those are the times that will be remembered.  I hope all of this makes sense…it’s late and I feel like I’m rambling…but I had to get it all off my mind.    

Filed under: Uncategorized on November 17th, 2007