The right focus can bring peace

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
~Philippians 4:8

The shepherds in Bethlehem had to have thought it was Armageddon when they saw all those angels in the middle of the night. They had to focus on the star and the gift that the angels promised it would lead them to.

This time of year we all get frantic with busy-ness. Decorations, shopping, wrapping, planning, cards, cleaning, cooking, work, traffic, relatives... As a teacher I'm dealing with semester grades and final exams, as a coach I have a slew of basketball games to take cheerleaders to, and purchase orders to submit for supplies to order and repairs to make for the next quarter...

Whew. It's dizzying. And yesterday, I shared with you that I have a whole litany of depressing things that I could easily complain about if I wanted to become discouraged and distraught.

So here's a hint. Listen to Paul's advice in Philippians, focus on the positive. This is a sure-fire way to bring you peace, His peace in the middle of the craziness of the season.

Or as Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney sang in the holiday classic, "White Christmas;"

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

While you're counting those blessings, remember who gives them to you, and thank God for them. And thank Him especially for the gift of His Son, Jesus on Christmas!