You never know who's watching...

All last week, my entire focus was on our annual trip to Florida for Christmas. I have to admit that in the 8 Christmas' that I have had with my husband's side of the family, the one thing that has remained constant is the stress involved with the party my brother-in-law and sister-in-law host every year. On a side note, you know how people say, "Discover the gifts that God has given you and excel at them."? - Planning/Organizing big family parties is not one of their gifts, but they do try! I have found myself thrown in the middle at times and stressed to the gills! I have found myself mentally preparing for days before I get there. See, I am a planner and an organizer, not to mention a chef, but it is their party and as much as I would love to come in and take over to reduce the stress I feel, but also in the atmosphere, I can't. I'm sure you can empathize with me. This year, I let go. (aren't you proud!!)

I can't tell you how hard it was for me. I can't tell you how freeing it felt. I can't tell you how much better I feel (physically and mentally). It is one of those things that can't be put into words, only experience. So what did I do instead, you ask? I spent the day with my kids! It was wonderful! Later in the day, I watched my 2 year old nephew and got him to take a good nap, (effortlessly too, I might add - a miracle - and the first one witnessed that night!).

By the time the party started, I was in charge of my kids, my 2 year old nephew, and his soon-to-be 1 year old twin sisters! It was great! We had fun and I told my sister-in-law that this is my new thing! Every year, I will help by taking her youngest three (she has 5), and my kids somewhere while they prepare for the party.

The party started and I continued to watch out for kids as they were passed from one adult to the next while my sibling-in-laws hosted the party. Little did I know that I was being watched all night long by my elders. You never know who is watching you and when. As I reflected on the night, there were times of correction, discipline, praise and obedience required from my nieces and nephews. I remember that I was being myself and that it was easy to do the right thing and react correctly - I have no regrets. I also remember that as we live righteously for God, that others will see without us saying a word to them. It is part of our testimony. It becomes a part of us, "of our new man (woman) in Christ, old things (reactions, words, attitudes, etc.) are put away, all things become new." How many others have watched and seen our reactions, actions and heard our words or seen our attitudes?

Later that night, I received compliments from those elders, and the next day, one of them made the point to call ME, at my mother-in-law's house to tell me what an impression that I made on her. I am thankful! You never know who is watching! Live righteously before the Lord first, then (effortlessly,) it becomes a testimony to all men.

~Janice~ Living this life for Christ! In ALL Areas!