The Month of November is full of change…in the weather, in the time (day light savings time ends), and it affects our attitudes and thoughts about the next two month’s holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of these holidays are an opportunity for us to give of ourselves to others in meaningful ways.
Thanksgiving day is idealized as “Turkey Day” and boy do we dive into the presentation of a beautifully presented meal, complete with Turkey, Cranberry Dressing, Yams, and all the fixings that go along with it, oh, and don’t forget the Pumpkin and Apple pies! The thought of family and friends sitting around a beautifully decorated table, amazing smells wafting from the kitchen, soft music in the background, and the flow of easy conversation and laughter fills the room. This is an amazing time of giving and receiving.
Christmas comes way too fast. As soon as Halloween decorations are put away, the Christmas decorations come out. By the first week of November, Christmas music is beginning to be played on the radio and the artificial Christmas trees are standing in Lowe’s and The Home Depot, Wal-Mart begins to resemble Santa’s workshop and Starbucks advertises their Pumpkin Spice Latte, a seasonal treat! The speed of shopping increases as BLACK FRIDAY frenzy begins a month early as Internet sales fever begins to gain momentum. By the time Christmas comes, everyone is exhausted, frustrated, irritable, and can’t wait for the Christmas music to STOP! But, then the blessed day arrives, the sound of coffee dripping into the pot, the stir of little ones sneaking out of their rooms to take a peek at the tree and the gifts under it, and, if you are lucky enough to wake on your own, you can stretch, and anticipate the joy of the moment before you enter into pure chaos. When the gifts are all opened, the meal has been consumed, and the evening wanes, the memory of the day’s sharing puts a smile on your face as you think, “Thank GOD this happens only once a year!”
As you consider these opportunities to share of yourself, please consider the gift of giving to Encouragers Counseling & Training Centers. We are a non-profit (tax deductible) organization and we cannot provide our services at greatly reduced prices without the generous financial gifts of our clients, friends, and family members of those we’ve helped. Giving is as easy as pressing the DONATE button on this page and in the header. During this season of giving, we would like to give back to you, our Encouragers’ family. For a donation of any size, we will send you “Walking with God” by Charles F. Stanley. This is a small token of our appreciation and love for you.
Thank you, and may your holiday season be “Glorious!”