Wrap It Up!

 In this holiday season especially, we see wrapped presents under the Christmas tree and in the form of decorations. To add a nice touch to the gift, one may add a bow to the top 💝. We see gifts of all sizes wrapped up. Sometimes, we try to guess what's inside by shaking the gift or looking at the size and shape. It can be fun seeing exactly what's inside the wrapped present 😊. Sometimes, our guess may be right, while other times, it's wrong. After the gift is opened, there are different reactions to what's inside. Reactions could range from excitement to shock to disappointment. As we tend to focus more on giving in this season, giving is something that can be done in every season. What are we giving to others that we interact with on a daily basis? Are we giving encouragement, a smile, a hello, compliment, or a listening ear? What is being revealed in our hearts and lives even as conversations began to happen? What is being revealed as we walk by people without saying anything? How are we treating and giving love to our own selves? These are questions for us to think about as self- reflection is always good 💗. I've learned our attitude speaks for us way before our words do. Let's make sure good things are coming out. As we think about wrapped gifts, let's also think about what we have wrapped (or covered) ourselves in. Let's not get wrapped up in the opinions of others. Let's not get wrapped up in drama, defeat, or things that disturb our peace. Let's not get wrapped up in looking at everyone else's timeline on social media. Let's wrap up in love, kindness, gratefulness, and authenticity. Let's stay wrapped up in who we know to be and who we know God to be in our lives 😊. Let's not let anyone make us doubt who God is and who God has called us to be. God has called us chosen, special, loved, unique, fearfully and wonderfully made. After baby Jesus was born in the Bible, the angels appeared to the shepherds and told them in Luke 2:12, "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." As we think about how our Savior was wrapped up when he was first born, let's stay wrapped up in the truths of God's Word all year long 💗. As we're a few weeks away from 2025 ending (Where did the time go?!), let's take time to wrap up in healthy mindsets, healthy bodies, what makes us smile and laugh, and things that matter to us that can be carried into 2026 and beyond. Let's make sure others know we appreciate them. Let's make sure God knows we appreciate him- he's the reason we're here 😊!! Let's remember that our actions and words reveal what's in our heart. We have to stay wrapped up to who's right and what's right for us! May God continue to bless you 💗!!