The best things in life

Recognizing the true reason for the season helps us enjoy the best things in life all year round.

With Christmas just two days away, I find myself thinking about past Christmases — the innocence I felt as a boy, the wonder I felt as a young man, and the peace I feel as an adult.  I think about being with family, the traditions we celebrated, the times I traveled home, and other memories that are now mine to cherish.  I truly have been blessed.

Then I start waxing philosophical.  What does it really matter I spent that time with family, celebrated those traditions, traveled those miles, and made those memories?  It makes Christmas feel nice, but does it do anything for the rest of the year?  Does it really make any difference in my life?

Of course, the answer is of course.  Life has meaning when we fill it with what’s meaningful.  These are the best things in life — the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.  And it’s because of Christ we can have these joys now and always.  Recognizing the true reason for the season helps us enjoy the best things in life all year round.

The people we love

When we celebrate Christ’s birth, we really celebrate our Heavenly Father’s plan.  The birth of Christ into this world demonstrates God’s love as He fulfilled His purposes.  He provided the Savior Who made it possible for all of us to return to our eternal home.

Christ also made possible eternal families, both the family we have known and the family we have yet to know.  Not only can we spend eternity with God in His home, but all our loved ones can too, never more to be parted.

These promises become all the more precious to me when I think of my sweet mother.  After a lifetime of numerous medical challenges, dementia now drives her decline towards her mortal end.  With my father approaching the point at which he can no longer care for her, my mother could move next week into a special care facility.  I remain thankful to God that she was my mother, that I have many sweet memories of her, and that He sent His Son to make it all possible.

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The places we’ve been

The Lord’s hand has also attended me in my travels.  He protected me both before and during my mission.  He guided me after I returned home.  And His hand has sustained me traveling across the country.

I remember the first cross-country trek I made alone by car.  When my car broke down in the middle of the Wyoming desert, to whom could I turn?  I had only God to rely upon.  And He helped me.

Two years ago, I made a similar trek going back the other way.  Long time audience members will remember the story I shared.  When my car again experienced trouble, it felt as though angels were lifting the car on all sides and propelling it forward.  The Lord’s hand was upon me.

The Lord also blessed me in less desperate moments.  I recall one Christmas in which I lived near my folks.  I left for home a little after sunrise with a back seat full of Christmas presents.  I drove a little slower because of the snow and potential ice.  No one else was about at that hour, and I recall thinking as I drove amidst the peaceful wintery scene how blessed I was to have that moment and make the memories I was about to make.

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The memories we’ve made

I’ve made plenty of other memories through the years.  Most of them have been good ones.  And I thank the Lord He’s blessed me with them.

I remember several years ago planning a special Christmas breakfast for my mother.  She loves blueberries, and so I made a blueberry french toast casserole.  She’d never made anything like that before, and frankly neither had I.  But it hit the spot with her so much that a second helping wasn’t enough.  She went to the kitchen and began eating what was left in the pan.  It didn’t bother me; I was just happy helping her to be happy.  Today I thank the Lord for that and many other precious memories.

We should all thank the Lord for the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made.  These are the best things in life, and the Lord Jesus Christ makes all of it possible.  This year, as you celebrate the birth of the Master, may you thank Him for the people you love, the places you’ve been, and the memories you’ve made.  You’ll feel more of His love and peace that characterizes the Christmas season.  And that will bring you more joy in your journey.

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