Joy

Neh. 8:10b, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

It is after nine p.m. on Christmas night. We have had a wonderful day, and the snow that blanketed our area with its pristine white was a wonderful gift. But the children have tracked the snow, and mud is showing through. I am too full of turkey, dressing, and pecan pie. The Christmas tree will soon be stripped of its ornaments and put away for another year. There are dishes piled in the sink and leftovers in the refrigerator. It really is cold and dreary outside with at least two long winter months in the immediate future. Life's Little Frustrations reflects that kind of mood. But I would really just like to add a few lines to that little poem to encourage us all tonight.

We've had our fill of Christmas cheeer.

The holiday's over for another year.

The weather outside is dreary and cold.

The year 2010 is weary and old.

This is the most discouraging thing--

It's such a long, long time until spring!

So what is a person supposed to do?

Walk closely with Jesus and His joy will shine through.

Acknowledge His Presence, know that He's near

And allow Him to guide us through this next New Year.

Give thanks for His blessings and bask in His love.

Walk closely with Jesus and the Father above.

And remember--Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving every single day!