This is the time of year that things start to crowd us to the point that we just hustle and bustle through the holidays without really enjoying them. We are always in search of the "perfect holiday", which by secular standards is unattainable.

I was reading an old "Time" magazine recently which had an article in it that gave ways to experience a more satisfying life. Things that were listed included being thankful and counting your blessings, experiencing joy, taking care of your body, and learning to forgive. These are all worth working towards, but I would go one further.

While facing all the plans that the holidays bring, I would suggest being prepared to step away from those plans and open yourself up to experiencing the season in a whole new way. Let yourself experience the kind of Holiday that God has in mind for you, instead of the one that you have in mind for yourself. This means being prepared to let your plans be redirected.

My wife prays every year that God show her something special and unique about Christmas that she didn't know before. This has led her into some interesting experiences that she would not have thought of on her own, and wouldn't trade for a world of planned experiences.

Prepare this year to step away from the plans, and let the wonder of this Holiday Season lead you into a wondrous experience of God and His creation.