The Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us. Last year we started a tradition to drive up to Branson, Missouri with my in laws to spend the week. It’s a tourist city with tons of shows, food, all decorated for Christmas. My daughter is finally getting old enough to enjoy all the magic of Christmas so watching it through her eyes is probably the best part.

This year we have a lot of family coming to spend the week with us. A lot of different personalities all together can sometimes be a bit nerve wracking. Especially when they don’t have a relationship with Christ like you do. I woke up this morning feeling a bit anxious and nervous about those other family members. So, I prayed. I prayed that God would change my heart, help me to be less anxious, and help to be able to enjoy myself. I have a tendency to hold onto past experiences with people and then it just makes me sour anytime I’m around them. As I was praying, my mind drifted back to the fabulous 90’s when everyone was sporting those WWJD bracelets. Why did this pop in my head I thought. Well, Casey, if Jesus was around this type of person, what would he do? Would he hold a grudge? Would he dread having to be around them? Would he let past experiences taint a new experience?Absolutely not. He’d use this experience to reach out to them. He’d gravitate towards that person to tell them about God. That’s what I should be doing. I should be looking forward to chance to witness to someone who may not have other people in their life to show them the love of Christ. I should be an example of Gods love and forgiveness.

“Love each other just as I have loved you.” John 13:34

Am I perfect? Do I do no wrong? Am I easy to be around all the time? Not even close. But God still loves me. He loves us with an unfailing love!!! He forgives me when I fail. He gives me another chance every single time I mess up. Just like we should do. When people meet me I want them to see Jesus. I want them to know that I am a Christian, one who loves all, one who forgives, and one who is living her life for Christ. So when you’re around family this upcoming week and someone gets under your skin or says something you don’t approve of, stop and ask yourself. What would Jesus do?