THANKS GIVING ... and the Rest of the Story

Paul Harvey was a radio broadcaster for around 40 years. He was famous for his broadcasts "The Rest of the Story." As I would drive to work, I would listen to Paul Harvey as he would daily tell his story.

Yesterday, I posted a blog entitled "Not By Might." I spoke about how the holidays can be such a stressful time for me. That was only part of the story. Today, is my version of "The Rest of the Story."

On the one side, the whole holiday season can be so stressful ... yet it does not eliminate "The Rest." Those precious moments of incredible joy, tenderness, great smells and good eats, celebrations, decorations, and children laughing. Yet most of all, for me - there is a heightened awareness of thanks giving for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Regardless of the stress factors, thanks giving is the focus. I reflect on how much my Lord has done for me - how very much He has given me.

Of all such reflective moments, and by God's Grace every year is Christmas Eve. Recollections of Christmas Eve from years now long past and years in the present.

Absolutely nothing rocks my world in quite the same way as entering a darkened church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the Coming of my Infant Savior. Hand-held candles light the darkness. The service begins and I am in a holy place even beyond the norm. It is almost a different plane of reality. In the hushed sacredness of the moments, I see the humble birth of my King and my God. The beauty of the music within the church enhances what happened over 2,000 years ago.

My Savior has entered the world - for me - to live and die - for me. Born of a woman, just like you and me. Yet sharing a destiny with me none other could ever share. He came to die as payment for my sin - and yours - so we wouldn't have to live and die forever in an eternity without Him - the penalty for our sin.

Stress on the one hand - oh yeah - no doubt about it...

Seeing, Tasting, and Experiencing one more time the Sacredness and Thanksgiving for what my Savior has done for me is worth every second of the Stress. 

Its all about focus, and how I choose to focus. I choose to focus on the reasons for why I am Thankful - not just in the season - but every day.

"The Rest of the Story" ~

I am Thankful for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, every day ... not only in the season between November and January.

How about you? I invite your comments. What is your "Rest of the Story?"

~ Amen.