Count your blessings

My daddy turned 78 yesterday.  I wasn't sure he was going to make it to his birthday this year. The diagnosis of cancer has zapped him of much of his strength.  So it was important for me to be there to help him celebrate his special day.  I jumped into the car immediately following church and drove the 6 hrs to surprise him.  He was definitely surprised!  We never know how long any of us are going to have on this earth. That is why it is so important to let people know how much you love them and how much God loves them.  I pray I get to spend many more birthdays, Thanksgivings, and Christmas's with my parents. 

We live in a crowded world where people are everywhere and we can 'connect' to someone anytime of the day or night.  But despite that we are more lonely than ever before.  We seek true meaning and relationships that are deep and  lasting. But those relationships are elusive as we connect more to technology. It is important to invest our time into others so we can be God's hands and feet.  We have to make the time to be face to face with others. How are other's going to know they are loved and that they matter!!

The holidays are fast approaching and I am sure there are elderly, or young families, or widows, or veterans who need a place to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe even someone in your family that kinda keeps to themselves needs a personal invitation to feel wanted. I ask you to open your eyes this year to someone you can invite into your home this holiday season. I know it will brighten their day but I can bet my last dollar that you will feel even better than they do.  We can't say with our lips that we are Christians and ignore the pain in the eyes of those around us.  I will be looking for that person to invite. Will YOU?