The Best Gifts: By Jessica Daly

James 4:14 “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”

The Christmas season is upon us, and it is one of my most favorite times of the year. As wonderful as it can be, I have often found myself overwhelmed and stressed instead of joyful and at peace. As I grow older, I am realizing what truly matters and what I can and cannot control. Honestly, it is freeing!

My focus is no longer buying the perfect gift or planning the perfect party but instead spending time with the ones I love most. The best gift I can receive is their time. Each December my family travels from Orlando, Florida to Goldsboro, NC so that we can celebrate and spend time with our families. It is a short jam packed few days but it’s worth it. Life is short and as James puts it, “just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away”. It is totally up to us how we use that “little while”.

During this December, I encourage you to make time for those you love instead of focusing your time on things that don’t matter near as much. Make time for conversations, meals together, and lots of laughing. Pile in the car and look at Christmas lights. Watch a Christmas movie together in your pjs. Read the Christmas story and reflect on the reason we are celebrating. These are the things you will remember. These are the best gifts!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!