Christmas Lights and Being Thankful

So, I started putting away Christmas stuff today… What a thankless job.  In November, when Christmas is a twinkle in everyone’s eyes and we’re waiting with anticipation the holiday season, setting up Christmas is super exciting for everyone.  Everyone is participatory and totally pumped for the decorations and the memories. as well as all the future parties and festivities.  Fast forward to January and every one is back to life and busy… except me, who get’s to un-decorate.  UGH!

I was wrapping up the indoor lights today (which I HATE doing) thinking about why we put up lights in the first place.  I just read an article from 95.1 SHINE FM this morning that talked about the end of Christmas and the fact that we as Christians are the light of the world and that’s why we put up lights.  Now, I’m not sure if my white lights all over my house are actually that spiritual, but it did get me thinking as to why.  Why???  Still no answer in my limited brain.  Yeah, I know, I need to Google the answer.  Maybe one day I will…

BUT, I did recall a piece of scripture when I was lamenting to myself.  You know, whining in my head about just how much I hate doing this alone and especially untangling the lights that I just tangled up, only to put them on a reel and put them away. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  [Colossians 3:17]  Dag.nab.it…. Even the stupid Christmas lights are something that I should be doing in the name of Jesus and giving thanks to God.

Maybe, just maybe, as I put away the Christmas lights I should do it WITHOUT grumbling in my head.  You know, since Jesus hears my thoughts anyway.  (yep, I just went there!)  So I guess for the rest of de-Christmasing I shall practice not inwardly grumbling.  I will be “happy” about it and be thankful that my house looks bare and big again.  LOL!!  Maybe you haven’t started yet.  Maybe you are completely finished.  And if you are, I am supremely jealous!  But if you aren’t, join with me in being thankful that we have warm houses to de-Christmas.  Water to drink as we do said task (or hot tea, or coffee, or whatever).  A bathroom to use after we have had too much to drink.  And a house big enough to store our stuff.  So many things to be thankful for.  I’m on board for resetting my brain and grabbing the brass ring of thankfulness.  What about you?  Are you with me??  If so, LET’S DO THIS!!