'Tis the season

It begins on black Friday. The day when people rampage through department stores like herds of cattle in preparation. These same people go ballistic at the sight of a sale or great deal on Christmas decorations. This can't be what it's all about can it? Of course not! It's about loving one another. Being with the people you love. Reaching out to a friend in need. Writing a small note of encouragement. Just like Jesus. It's so simple. We're celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. How cool is that?
I would encourage everyone who is distracted by finals, shopping, or whatever else may be drawing your focus away from the main point of this time of year, to stop and re-frame your thoughts. Think about what is stressing you out. Is it finals? If it is, that's fair, but also consider, is it worth it to freak out this much? What will it help? Wouldn't it be better to take a deep breath, study as much as you can and then just do it. Freaking out will only hurt you in the end. I can't say I'm a prime example for this yet, but it's one goal of mine: only freak out when absolutely necessary.
Are you stressed about finding enough gifts for people? Or even about affording said gifts? If so, why? If you don't get someone a gift, will they love you any less? If they will, then there are some serious issues in that relationship. If you can't afford to get big gifts, write a heartfelt note, or make a small gift. As cheesy as it is, it's way cooler, and people will actually care about it later on.
Throughout this special time it is important to take advantage of the extra time we have been blessed with to enjoy the one around us, but also out creator. This past weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to go on tour with my choir. I cannot think of a better way to start of the Christmas season than spending quality time with my close friends serving others. Because that's what it is really. The concerts are a group experience and we want the audience to get wrapped up in the service.
In addition to getting the opportunity to sing beautiful music under the direction of fantastic directors, I get the opportunity to get to know the people in my choirs and the others even better. It's practically a whole weekend devoted to relationship building. Everyone comes together to make a beautiful sound. No one voice is more important than any other. It's the most amazing experience and there is not a doubt in my mind that God is sitting in the room with a smile on his face. Music really does transcend every other form of communication.
Music is what brought all three choirs together. The Whitworth Choir that is big, powerful and amazing, yet an amazing group of people. The Men's Chorus, who have grown so much in the last couple years. Not they are an amazing group of men who are not only a blast to be around, but they are darn good now! Also. They serenaded me, so they get a few extra life points in my book ;) And last but definitely not least there is the Women's Choir. I've been a part of this ensemble for three years now. The ensemble has changed in many ways and I have changed with it. There is a feeling of love and mutual support that abounds among its members. Each person is important to the ensemble as a whole. I am going to miss it so much when I leave Whitworth. Choir has been such a blessing in my life. Many of my closest friends have come from various choirs and some of my favorite experiences have come during choral gatherings. It also helps me to stop and slow down once in awhile and focus on God in such a beautiful way. Choir time is a time that is solely devoted to choir. And nothing else. It is a time when I do not allow myself to worry about whatever else I may have going on at the time.
This weekend with the choirs blessed me immensely. I consider myself so lucky to get to be a part of the choral program at Whitworth. So much so that I encourage anyone else who feels like they want an opportunity to slow down to come to the concerts this weekend. Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 3 and 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Spokane. See you there :)