I've got a devotional book that I've started using during Advent -- it's actually part of an assignment for a class; but I've been excited to start this as it lays out time for personal reflection and devotion for us. The reflective reading for today was actually taken from a man's prayer journal; the opening part of the prayer asks that God remind and allow him to extend the same generousity, kindness, grace, and mercy to his family and loved ones that he does to strangers. This is a pretty profound thought for me today, and something I think of often.

I find that working with people demands that I be 'on' all the time -- I do my best to be kind, generous, and cautious with my words and actions so as not to dirty the reputation of the church or Jesus with the people I meet. I try to extend the love and grace that I've been given to church folk and the other people I interact with on a daily basis. Sadly, that can be draining and I get all grinchy at home with my kiddos, my lovely wife, and our dog. I laugh at the dad in the sitcom who comes home and reads the paper and neglects his family; sometimes I'm that guy when I don't really listen to what Kari is saying about her day, pay no attention to what Kristyn is telling me about the story she read in school, and when Bria (the dog) nuzzles my hand to be petted and I tell her to lay down instead.

I wonder if,whle preparing for God's gift in Jesus -- the gift of HIMSELF, would it do us some good to ponder what we give to others in terms of ourselves? I know I can do a better job of giving my time, energy, and attention to the people around me and especially to the ones who need it most...

Ask your kids -- if they could spend more time with you, what would they like to do with that gift?