25 Days of Christmas--Day Six

For the 6th day of her 25 Days of Giveaways, Jill Savage shared a special version of I Corinthians 13, and then encouraged us to add our own line. Here's the poem: I Corinthians 13: Christmas Style by Sharon Jaynes If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny bells, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ; I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired, Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure. Jill's question: What about you? What would you add to personalize this for you? My answer: If I spend hours baking Christmas goodies, but won't break down and let my kids enjoy a few as a special treat because it will spoil their dinner or make them too crazy (and trust me--it will!), I am more worried about breaking rules than making memories.