Consumer or Contributor?

by | Dec 8, 2011 | Uncategorized | 12 comments

Christmas shopping makes me smile.  I love rushing from store to store amid twinkling lights, jingling bells, and rustling store bags.  The holiday aromas draw me into a dream-like state and remind me of years past when I was frightened of the snow monster in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and fascinated that Frosty came to life.

I’m still a little scared of that snow beast in Rudolph, but holiday shopping is something I have taken by the horns and conquered.  I make my list; check it twice and forge ahead to buy a little bit of happiness for my friends and family.  I usually even get a few things for myself and the house.  It’s the one time of the year I actually like to shop and I’ve gotten pretty good at it!

Have I mentioned that the reason for all of this shopping is in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ?  No.  Sadly, that is usually an afterthought and one that is quickly swept under the rug so I can get to the good stuff like holiday parties, Christmas cookies and that yummy spiced wine my sister makes!

Saying ‘put the reason back into the season’ is actually just talk to make myself feel better.  If it were true, I’d live differently and not just during Christmas.  The reality is that I have become a consumer instead of a contributor.

What I mean is that I take much more than I give.  Sure, I give once in a while, but I’m much more focused on what I can GET.  I listen to others, but I really want to be heard.  I give to others, but I really want to win the lottery.  I fit others into my schedule, but I really want them to make it convenient for me.  I pray to God and lamely try to worship Him, but I really want Him to give me what I want, get me out of binds and make life easy.

This has to change!

Thank you God for the nudging in my heart that is whispering, “Meg, get your head out of your rear-end!”  If it wasn’t for the prompting of the Holy Spirit I would be headed down the same road this year and that is simply not good enough.

Here are the changes I intend to make during this Christmas season:

  1. Pray for a servant’s heart.  – This way I’ll know what to do when the time comes.  Lord, you might want to put the answers in a neon sign!!
  2. Use my talents for the good of others.  – Guess I’ll be singing at the nursing home!
  3. Be realistic. – Don’t sweat the small stuff and breathe deeply when stress comes a’knocking!
  4. Give to the guys on the roadside asking for money. – Who cares what they do with it!
  5. Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jesus on Christmas. – Uh…it is His birthday.

My goal is to contribute more than I consume.  This year I want to sincerely celebrate the birth of a man who has saved my life.  Make Him proud and maybe give a little of myself instead of a present wrapped with a bow.

How do you put Jesus in the season?

Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 19:17 – He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.

12 Comments

  1. Kristen Stokes

    Thanks, Meg! A good reminder of what is important this season! We have a family tradition of having a birthday cake for Jesus (angelfood cake). I love this tradition, which was started by my wonderful mother. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • meghays

      That’s SUCH a good idea!! Plus, it’s light so it’s not so filling! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

      Reply
    • Jenni

      how cool is that!!

      Reply
  2. Kelly

    We have an amazing creative sister. Every year she searches out a “project” for the “kids” to do. Most times us mom’s end of giving a lot of help as our children to put together these crafts. BUT, the most amazing part is that year after year each one of us pulls out the crafts from years gone by, and the memories generated are the subject of choices for days as each family prepares for the Christmas holiday season. So, Heather: Meg, Rachael and I want to thank you for helping us be contributors during this Christmas season! (This year was a manger scene snow globe. Just awesome!)

    Reply
    • meghays

      Yes, Heather is AWESOME!!!! I wouldn’t have half the decorations I have without her!!! Love you guys!!! I’m blessed with amazing sisters :o)

      Reply
  3. Stacey Miller

    Meg~
    Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and goals with us. You are an inspiration!

    Reply
    • meghays

      I’m SO glad you are enjoying this, Stacey!!!! It was great to see your mom earlier this fall!!! You guys are a fantastic family!!!!

      Reply
  4. CathyWhite

    Love these Meg! Thank you for being so real. When I see you next remind me to tell you about a new women’s ministry group starting up here in Austin that addresses that “get your head out of your….” 20-mile radius and DO something to help others! God hit me with that same sentiment in 2010! A lot of us in the group are from Bethany but it’s a non-denominational group of women from all over Austin. Very diverse but all of us are united in Him for His purposes…what a novel concept?! Hugs to you and I hope the allergies are doing ok. We thank God now for our allergies b/c they are a reminder that we can turn to Him for help – every day, every hour…whatever it takes for us to GET that He is our savior in every way! Bless you for putting yourself out there to encourage us on our walk!

    Reply
    • meghays

      I’d love to know more about that group!!! Sounds right up my alley!

      Reply
  5. Jenni

    I love you, Meg! Thank you for your honesty again and for the list of do-able points at the end. Looking forward to Tues/Thurs! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kelly Lasher

    What a great reminder to slow down and focus on what is really important this Christmas! Thanks for the encouraging words! 🙂

    Reply
    • meghays

      I hope we can all enjoy the love, peace and joy that only comes from God during this Christmas season.

      Reply

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