Heading home for the holidays always brings a mix of emotions and a packed schedule. A few days away from school to soak up good food and time with family gets marked on my calendar the first day of the semester, and I count down with great anticipation. However, as excited as I am to take a few days away, the hustle still tries to sneak in. It is a challenge no matter your season or stage of life to keep gratefulness upfront in the days that follow Thanksgiving, especially when flashy signs and social media blast sales in your way, declaring that you need “MORE MORE MORE!”
So how do you keep your heart in check? Fill it with thankfulness. Today’s spread was one I did while home for the holidays, bringing just the basics along for the trip. A simple splash of watercolors, my favorite pen, and a tiny envelope tucked in the margins to keep track of what I’m thankful for this season.
James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” How encouraging is that, y’all? In Him there is no variation. Whether or not the holidays goes as planned, and whether or not gratefulness is our easiest choice, He does not change. He is a good God who knows and loves His children, and each and every gift can be attributed to him.
This season it is easy for me to be thankful, and my list came naturally: Jesus, theatre, friendships, grace, joy, and a hope for the future. But I know for many others this season can bring painful memories, tense situations, and a sense of loss. I pray that the Lord be near in these tough weeks and bring reminders of the gifts He has been faithful to provide.
One of the challenges with traveling for the holidays is packing supplies for the journey. When I started on this page I realized that I had left my acrylic stamp block on my desk back home. But fear not! I simply stuck the stamps to the back of my Illustrated Faith Bible Journaltng Mat and it worked just fine! The Wow God stamp set was a no-brainer to pack on this trip because, again, in the face of all the holiday sales I needed the reminder to be grateful for what I have.
As the holiday hustle picks up with the approach of December, let’s be intentional about taking time to focus on what’s important and reflect on the gifts we have been given. And don’t be afraid to use what you have, where you are, and do the best you can. Remember, every good and perfect gift is from above, and He is not shaken or wavering no matter what changes come your way.
Supply List: Illustrated Faith Wow God Stamp Set | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd You Rule Mat | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Genesis Washi Tape | Heidi Swapp date roller
Love the whole thing, especially the last two sentences you wrote!
I love this! Beautiful!!