Unedited group photo of our Bassett/Parker family taken by Scott Kantrowitz.
I love how God has me experience something, teaches me a lesson, and shares some scripture with me to remind me of the lesson learned. He does that often.
On Fridays the traffic seems to be a bit more hectic than any other day. This past Friday I was leaving the grocery store and the traffic was even more congested than usual. Now add to the fact that this was the weekend before Christmas….that explains it all.
At first I goggled at all the vehicles while I was at the stoplight and thought to myself, “Man, this traffic is bad.” But then it was as if God whispered to me, “Smile. It’s My Son’s birthday week and you should rejoice that families are getting together to celebrate His birth and enjoy each other’s company. Be patient and just smile.” Whoosh, a feeling of peace and gratitude came over me.
Yes! Family! This was the weekend my own family gets together to celebrate Jesus’ birth. My family is huge and they have traveled from all parts of Florida, Georgia, Washington state, and Iowa. You see, when my mom and Carol married over twenty years ago, my mom had four children, and Carol had four children himself. Between the eight of us, we all have kids, some grand kids, and that makes for one massive, immediate fun-filled, gathering.
So more cars are driving the roads of my hometown. Families are home visiting and spending quality time together. And I love it!
This morning I was reading Luke 2. This was the story of The Birth of Jesus. In verse four we discover that “Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David.” Why? Because, “Everyone traveled to their own hometowns to have their name put on the list.” (verse 3)
Even back during the original time that this season is even celebrated, everyone was traveling to their hometowns.
See…this busyness of traffic isn’t anything new. They just might not have known that a special birthday was occurring and giving all reason to celebrate. Well…King Herod knew. He was NOT happy and wanted to seek out this new “King”. That’s why everyone was traveling, so “threatened” Herod could have a census done to hunt for Jesus.
So…the next time you find yourself huffin’ and puffin’ about the discombobulation of the roads less traveled, smile and be grateful that families are gathering to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Remember…He is the reason for the season.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie