To Season or not to Season - that is the question!

Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late)!
If you are anything like me - you just had your fill of leftover turkey and are happily (?) contemplating the next 'season' of Christmas. Well, maybe NOT. Today, while I was in my thoughts of getting ready for the chaos of the impending holiday, you know --- the chill of winter, shopping, tinsel, bows, gift wrap, snow, and all that jazz, I began to feel that old familiar tension creeping up my back and into the usual holding tank of stress in my shoulders and neck area.

It was at this moment that the phrase, "To Season or not to Season, that is the question..." flashed through my mind. After chuckling to myself for a few minutes at this funny little quip, especially since I had just finished spicing up some food that I had been preparing a few moments earlier, my thoughts quickly raced ahead searching for an answer - any answer - to satisfy that question.

Being ever curious, I posted that very phrase on my Face book profile. And being ever creative, a good friend of mine quipped back, "It depends on the reason for the season." Well, isn't that what friends are for - to challenge us? LOL. So what does "To season or not to season" mean to me and what is the 'reason'? Hum... let's see... concerning gift buying, our economy most certainly was not lending itself to the most lucrative Christmas ever, as a matter of fact, I have about 30 dozen cookies to bake and candy to make, all going to be gifts given this year due to that ever squeaky penny. And as for the excitement of the season -- let's just say that I am still working on that.

So what else? What is the Reason for the Season. Ah, now there is something that is a bit more familiar and friendly to me... The very thought brings great joy into my heart and a warmth all the way down to my toes! One reason for the season is people. They always seem to come into our lives at just the right time, for a reason, a season, a lifetime. Relationships can be so fun and also very sad when things come to an end. Regardless, relationships teach a lifetime of lessons helping each of us to have a solid emotional foundation. Awesome! So what else? Ah, tradition. (Reminds me of 'Fiddler on the Roof'...lol) This is another thing that comes with the season. And oh, how I love many of our great American and/or family traditions...like our Christmas tree, making snowmen with the kids, stringing up the lights, eating popcorn, and so much more!

But, the best thing that comes to mind is the celebration of my loving savior, Jesus. For me, Christ's birth gives me a joy that transforms my life - every day, all year long. Before I came to know and understand his mercy, grace and glory, I had been walking around like a blind man in my own sin and transgressions - until one day I was given clear sight by what he did through the shedding of his blood on that ol' rugged cross. I was an enemy of God and held captive to Satan - But, in an instant Jesus freed me - not figuratively - but literally! I have personally found that He truly loves with an everlasting love... and all my faith and trust is in him alone. What started as a simple statement of belief has blossomed into years of an incredibly awesome adventure. In John 3:16 - one of the paramount scriptures for Christians... it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Freedom! That is it...really, it's that simple... just a simple belief that Jesus is who he says he is...the Son of God - and that he hung on a cross for you and me due to his great love for us, as a sacrifice for our wrong doing! A REAL gift. Actually, the BEST gift a person could ever receive. Not only was I given instant eternal life - it was at this very moment that 'real seasoning' came in. That 'ol seasoning of Amazing Grace... it is just as John Newton wrote about in that famous song, "Amazing Grace" way back in the 1800's... yes, I once was blind but now am found, was blind but now I see.

You know what?
I really think that this season is going to be one of the most flavorful 'seasons' ever - YES, I have concluded that I am going forward headlong into those upcoming holidays with zest and zip! Sounds like it is time to bake some cookies! LOL.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? What have you decided?

And so I challenge you... "To Season or not to Season - that is the question..."

Be blessed my friends! Love to hear your thoughts!