THANKFUL FOR: THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

It is the eve of Christmas Eve and this week has been crazy to say the least. Christmas always comes so fast and every year it always seems to surprise me. No matter what, I am excited! I have been really lacking this week (disappointed in myself), but I still don’t think I have recovered from finals completely. The past two nights I have fallen asleep pretty early watching TV on the couch. Imagine my surprise when I wake up hours later and realize that I have not blogged yet. Hate when that happens! I was especially bummed because Monday was such an important day. For so many years my Dad, brother, and I have taken a day ringing the Salvation Army bell right before Christmas. More recently I have taken a day and asked others in the community to sign up for hour shifts on that day. I end up getting to do it a couple of times, but it is a great to get others involved in my community. I always look forward to it because it is a great way for me to really get my mind set right for Christmas. You know, it puts things in the right perspective. Jesus is the reason for the season and there is more to unwrapping presents! It used to be something I was forced to do, but now it is something I see the value in. Always something that I am thankful for.

Huge thank you to my fellow volunteers that took the time to ring the bell on Monday. I know the Salvation Army REALLY appreciates it and so do I. At the end of the day they were so grateful. Really made me appreciate all your work!!

Thank you to the good Lord for always putting this job on my heart and for partnering with Mother Nature to provide us with the proper weather. Some years I have done it and I thought I was going to freeze. Therefore I know it could have been worse and I see how much more enjoyable it is to ring when it’s not about to snow out. Though I do kind of wish it were colder with it almost being Christmas and all.

Thank you to my Dad who always pushed me to do this and thank you to my parents for both raising me in a way where I learned the importance of giving back. I would not be doing this if it weren’t for you and your lessons that you instilled in Mills and I at a young age.

Thank you to Mayflower and Salvation Army for allowing us to do this. Not that we were competing or anything, but several people mentioned how great it was and how much better we were than Wal-Mart. I am thankful for this local tradition at this local small town business.

Lastly, a massive thank you goes to all those that gave 5 seconds of their time and a little bit of their money. I know this organization so appreciates it and as someone who stands there for a good part of the day with the bell sound stuck in his head, I also appreciate you. Also, standing there for large parts of the day, you learn that some people need to learn to make lists! I saw some of the same people 2-3 times a day. Crazy! (Hahaha).

It would not be Christmas without this crucial tradition. I am now ready to celebrate the baby’s birth because I am now in a place where that all makes sense. Please remember the reason for all this. The real reason as we go into these next couple of exciting days! I know it makes a huge difference in the way we spend our day! Merry (almost) Christmas friends! May we be overwhelmed with things to be thankful for! May you drop your change in the Salvation Army bucket. May you be thankful for the real reason for the season!

Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful