"Sit a spell" There's more to the weekend besides FOOD!

Happy 4^th of July weekend!

With the long weekend ahead of us, I hope that we have come to the place where we can anticipate and enjoy the fun and fellowship of our family and friends, without stressing over FOOD!   Yep, we have to prepare it and eat it but it doesn’t have to define our purpose for getting together. 

I was reading in Luke this morning about when Jesus looked up into the tree and told Zacchaeus to come down out of the tree because He was going to his house today.  The Daily Bread brought out that Jesus wanted to “sit a spell” with Zacchaeus and his household.  He didn’t just plan on whipping in the door, talking fast and then leaving abruptly to get to His next appointment.  

I have been feeling much like this..whipping around, talking fast and racing to the next thing.  I think that God wanted me to see this morning that I need to anticipate “sitting a spell” on this long weekend.  Not that I only want to sit and do nothing.  Those that know me know that won’t happen but to make it a point to sit long enough to hear what is going on in the lives of those around me.  To enjoy the chatter of family and friends.  To take the time to have a thankful heart for the freedom we enjoy in our country. 

So, prepare a healthy snack or dish to pass for your get-together.  Grab a glass of ice water, flavored with cukes & raspberries or lemon.  Sit down next to someone and just listen and talk.  Not about how fattening the salads are on the picnic table.  When those around us hear these words, they will hear blah, blah, blah.  Instead, ask “So, what’s happening in your life?”…and then listen.  Speak words of encouragement and truth.  Look around at those the Lord has placed in your life and be thankful for them.  They may not be perfect, none of us are, but God is good and has His purposes for why they are your family and friends.  It’s not all about you but that He has the purpose of using you, and it may be to just encourage one of them today.  The food isn’t all that important in light of the real purpose of relationships, is it?

I am proud to be an American!  May God have mercy on this nation and the state that it is in and may He once again, Bless America!

Blessings you each of you!

Mary Ann