Confession 69: The Hunting Season Has Begun

Our family celebrated the hunting season this year in two very different ways. Chris and his father took some guns out into a cow pasture and shot at a deer. The deer survived, which should make PETA happy, but I was secretly hoping for a freezer full of deer meat for the winter. It was the first time Chris and his dad had the opportunity to hunt in 15 years. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate so they only had the one shot. But, it's the experience that counts, right?

In the meantime, they boys, Chris' mom and I went to Joplin to do some hunting of our own. We hit a Target and came away with some good stuff, but it wasn't quite a bullseye. So, we tried our luck at Toys R' Us and came away with the kill. With one shot we got Christmas outfits and dress shoes for the boys and a new stroller for Stephen. All in all, it was a very successful trip. We feasted afterward on soup, salad and breadsticks at the Olive Garden--the quintessential meal for all dedicated hunters!!

One of the beautiful aspects of this holiday shopping season for me is that I'm not really doing any of it. Our family decided this year that instead of investing in stuff, we were going to invest in time. We've rented a condo in Branson for a few days around New Year's Eve in lieu of buying Christmas gifts for one another. My parents, my sister and her husband, Chris' parents and his brother will all be gathering for the occasion. I'm really excited. I think it will be a nice getaway in the midst of what always becomes a crazy season.

Don't get me wrong, I love gifts, both giving and getting. But, they need to be given for the right reasons, not because retailers need to make a profit. Chris was reading a new book by pastor Mike Slaughter in which Slaughter states, "Christmas is about Jesus' birthday. It's not about yours." We've lost that as a culture somewhere along the line. And I would like for my children to grow up with a different perspective. I would like to grow into a different perspective. So forget gifts this year. Instead, celebrate life. That's what it's all about anyway. So happy hunting in your quest for Christmas meaning.

As always,
Blessings and Peace,
Sara
Sara