Where is the Balance?

A lot has been going on in this little mind of mine over the past year since we left Japan and our lives have changed in SO many ways. Some HUGE changes, some not so big. But in all of the changes Kevin and I try to think through why we do the things that we do. Why we do them the way that we do. Is there a better, more God honoring way? Is there an easier, less stressful way? We have pretty much evaluated all that goes on in our lives, as we feel it is a perfect opportunity to right now. With what we thought our calling to be for life being drastically changed we have felt the need to look at all areas of our lives and make changes where needed.

One such area that has been on our hearts this month is Christmas. So many questions swarm my mind and I wrestle with finding the right balance, wanting to show my kids what is truly important and will last forever.

What is the balance between wanting to show our kids we love them and we want to give them every good and perfect gift (as our father in heaven wants to), while not spending too much on them? How do we show them material things are not what counts, while getting them excited about giving material things to those in need- desperate need. How do we balance giving gifts that will foster relationships and better enrich our lives (while they may cost more than we would normally spend) verses spending less and being able to give more to those who have major physical need? How do we teach this balance to our kids when we ourselves are not sure what that balance is?

No answers- just thoughts and processing going on in this household as we seek to honor God with ALL that we do and desire for our children to learn the same. What are ways you find the balance?