Every day is an opportunity to make life beautiful

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley

Life doesn't come without it's various pains, struggles or hardships, but God promised to give you strength to get through them. Fear attempts, in it's way, to keep us frozen in pain. The more we struggle the deeper we sink. These feelings can paralyze us, however, if you call on the Lord, He will save you.

We need to do more than eat healthy food, take vitamins, exercise, and rest to feel your best. Who has time for everything … stop spreading yourself so thin, and let the guilt go! God knows you are tired, and whether you are having a difficult day, or a lifetime of heartache and loss. Remember, when you know Him directly, God will not allow you to go through anything you cannot handle. We need to be willing to surrender our heavy load to God because it will hold us hostage, attempting to drag one down.

Often, we forget, true wealth has nothing to do with numbers in a bank account, a large home, the latest iPhone, that new vehicle or the latest fashion trend but how the moments can fill your heart. The delight of grandchildren laughing, attending that ringette or hockey game, a quiet morning sipping tea, the crisp air on a winter’s day, sunlight on your face, those moments are treasures money cannot buy.

To build a fulfilling life, despite unexpected events, changes, or difficulties, people need to grow beyond the reach of these experiences and discover their sense of purpose. Connecting with others can help you find that resilience, especially during the Christmas Season. In the true meaning of Christmas you can find purpose and appropriate strengths to cope with the added stress, this time of year and going forward, improving your overall well-being. Purpose can provide a reason to get out of bed and give structure to your life. It helps to combat depression and anxiety.

As you get older, silence gets loud. The clock is ticking, and it can seem like a count down. So start listening, really listen. You are a unique person, born with purpose and fearfully and wonderfully made. Did you listen?

In ancient times, a little over 2000 years ago, the Israelites expected a warrior king to liberate them from Roman occupation. While that society focused on the physical and emotional aspects of this continually changing life, they ignored their spiritual condition, and the reality God sent them a baby, who lived, grew and died for us as a our substitute and permanent answer, if we will see him as He is. The true reason for the Christmas Season is the Christian observance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope, peace, and love it represents for a World in need of a Saviour.