Gratitude

'Tis the season of gift giving, we are told. Repeatedly. Endlessly. Ad nauseum. That perfect something -- whether it's a widget from the hardware store or a diamond from Tiffany's -- is just waiting to be placed in the hands of that someone special in your life (Your beloved? Your mom? You, perhaps?). And with all of this come the all-too-familiar cries of rampant consumerism, of how we've lost sight of the "reason for the season" as the corny phrase has it. So what to do?

Throttle back on the shopping? Sure.

Give things that show thoughtfulness rather than spending capacity? Definitely.

But here's an additional idea: look at the seasonal gift giving frenzy as an opportunity to practice gratitude. Every time you get something, even that family fruitcake or those neon purple socks, say thank you. Like you mean it. Then reflect on other things in your life for which you wish to give thanks, especially God's grace and love made known to us in Jesus.

Gratitude. Give it a try!

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