On the 8th day of Christmas...don't be a Grinch or a Scrooge

Do you know anyone who has is lacking the Christmas spirit? I always think of Scrooge and the Grinch. Did you ever notice why Scrooge was such a Scrooge? Or why the Grinch was such a grinch? Neither had family. They did at one time but lost or ran from the ones who loved them. Both didn't have many who loved them but we cant deny they were loved. They chose to be alone and mean and shut out the world.

God loves families. He doesn't want anyone to be alone...that's why he gave each of us a family. Mine is quite interesting (lol) but I love it. My close family consists of my parents, brothers, Josh and Caleb and my sister Mandalyn. We have no family around us except each other. My mom's family live in NC and my Dad's side of the family live in Oregon and Washington. It's hard not having grandma in the same town like many people I know. It's hard to only get to see the ones you love every few months or once every few years. Nonetheless I am thankful for family and I try my best to make the most of the time we get to have together.

 In my opinion one of the best things about the Christmas Season is family. How sad it is to think of those who will be alone this Christmas. I've noticed on Facebook many people have lost loved ones this month. This is the hardest time to lose someone. The other day marked 4 years since my Gramme died. She had a heart attack one night and never woke up. It was shocking, unexpected, and sad. So I do know the pain some are going through. Don't let a loss steal your joy.

Some people will be alone not because they've lost someone but because they got hurt and couldn't forgive. Forgiving is one of the hardest things to do but holding a grudge does nothing but make the issue worse. I've had to forgive some people even though they didn't ask for it. People are mean, family can be rude, mean and break your heart but don't let that turn you into a Scrooge or grinch. Family is forever; don't forget that.

Maybe you don't have a real family...open your heart and let The Lord be that for you. I know many claim the verse Psalms 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. I've never had my parents turn their back on me and everyday of my life they have been there for me with arms full of love. I know now days many young people don't have caring parents but He can be all you need. God can give you a friend, a church family, or someone else who might be lonely too. The Lord loves you more than any one on earth.

We need to remember everything that happens is to draw us closer to God and his will. When something doesn't go your way or you lose someone you love don't let that ruin your attitude and your Christmas. Christmas isn't enjoyable all alone. Make sure you are with the ones you love and the ones who love you!