This holiday season (from now to the beginning of the New Year), I am sending out some previously posted messages. These are some of my favorites and reflect my heart during this time. So if you’ve read these before, I hope somehow the words strike a new chord with you. I always pray these words are just what you need at just the right time. Note: Today’s offering may be better digested following your Thanksgiving meal – Happy Reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

“Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”                                                   Psalm 23:5 (RSV)

Full. That is where I seem to find myself during the holidays. Full. You might be feeling that way yourself right about now as well.

Full from overeating. Everywhere you look there is more food and now it’s not just the leftovers; but the holiday baking has just begun. Go ahead, break out the stretchy pants. 

Full of family and guests. A full house. People everywhere you turn. Each one of them needy in their own way. Leaving no room for you to take care of your own needs.

Full of events and activities. A full calendar. A celebration here and there. Time with friends and family. Plus, your normal obligations. Plus, decorating to do. And don’t forget to squeeze in that shopping. 

Yep – it’s that time of year. We are all full in one way or another.

Lately though, I have found myself full in yet a different way. In the midst of my daily frustrations, the holiday happenings, and all the things that drive me bonkers on top of all that, my heart is full.

I don’t mean full as in heavy. Although, I often feel that way it seems. This is different. 

Full. Full as in overflowing. 

In the middle of the holiday chaos, I looked around and realized how deeply I am blessed. I am blessed with great kids who come home to spend time with me. I have parents who are proud of me and support us all with their unconditional love. I have extended family who add extra seasoning to my life. I have great friends with whom I laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time). And I have a husband who has stuck by my side through the highs and lows of life loving me all along the way. Not to mention the material comforts of a home filled with laughter, love, and tears.

Now that the first wave of the holiday season has come and gone, the house is empty again, but I am still full.

So it is with truly a thankful heart that I pass along to you this simple thought: Allow yourself to be full. Let your cup runneth over with the blessings given to you each day as you walk with the Lord. 

I know some days you feel like your cup may not even be half full – maybe you think your cup is too big to ever be overflowing. Be realistic in your expectations. Your cup will run over before you know it. 

Take time to read Psalm 23 in its entirety. It only takes a couple of minutes. Then, don’t let yourself become full and overwhelmed – but full of the good stuff you are given. That stuff that surrounds us each day that we fail to truly appreciate. Remember the simple things. 

Let your heart be full this season – especially on those days when you feel like you are running on empty. No stretchy pants required!

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.”           I Thessalonians 3:12