The Thanksgiving holiday has passed with a flash, along with it thinking of the many ways to recycle turkey.

Black Friday has morphed into black Thursday evening, enticing us via pressure marketing to get the jump on the so called deals by having us shop all night and allowing what respite Thursday may have brought to come to a screeching halt.

I could never understand why it was called “Black Friday” in the first place when the end game is lots of “green” being doled out!

The rush of the official first weekend of Christmas shopping has come and gone, leaving in its wake the beckoning of Cyber Monday.

We collectively are marching to the beat of a different and strange drum!

Do any of you want to scream, “Stop the Madness!”?

I know I do.

Finding bargains and shopping for “presents” has its place.  After all, aren’t we told it is more blessed to give than receive?

I personally enjoy giving presents more than I do getting them.  However, there is a part of me that likes to receive them as well (like when I got my new bicycle two years ago).

I was in my office today starting to prepare for a meeting next week.  I looked up at a print Jackie gave me a few years ago for my then new office.  It is a picture of the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming.  It is similar to the image below.

Underneath the scene the following verse is inscribed:

You will show me the path of life.  In Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (Amplified Version)

It got me thinking.

Is this time of year more about “presents” than “presence”?

Shouldn’t it be the latter more than the former?

As I continued my work for the duration of the afternoon, I slipped on some headsets and started listening to some Christmas music.  The songs are familiar to most of us:

• Away in a Manger
• O Come all Ye Faithful
• Silent Night
• O, Holy Night

to name a few.

It became more about His “presence” in my office than any “presents” I might have been thinking about (trust me when I say I rarely think of shopping and presents).

In the midst of my normal day a peace invaded my world.  It was a welcome break from the routine and most certainly a diversion from the rush-rush-rush that compels me most of the time.

My mind started to drift off into a few more thoughts.

Surely, His presence does bring us fullness of joy.

What about our “presence” bringing joy to another? 

Can we collectively slow the train down just a little, catch our breath, and take a good look around us?

• Is there someone who might need your help if you would take time to engage?
• Perhaps someone comes to mind that might benefit from a simple text message, email, or call offering encouragement?
• If hope deferred makes one’s heart sick, how can you play an integral part in a longing fulfilled becoming their tree of life (see Proverbs 13:12).  Something worth pondering.
• Many people are lonely at this time of year.  Perhaps you can play a role in re-routing someone’s Lonely Train onto some tracks that allow the loneliness to dissipate and to be replaced with your presence, His presence.

I came home today to a nice meal and our house being decorated simply but elegantly.  I have Jackie to thank for taking the time to do so.

What small action could you take to offer someone your “presence” and perhaps a bit of hope at this time of year? 

 Feel free to use the COMMENT button to lend your thoughts!