Daniel DeMoss

I’ve not gotten into the spirit of Christmas very much this year.
Usually I’m one of the first to turn on the Christmas music and head to the mall for people watching.  I normally enjoy the chaos of the season and the excitement that it brings.  For some reason, this year is different.  I can’t quite figure out why, but I can tell you what matters to me this year that wasn’t as important in my life in years passed.

What matters to me now:

• Working hard to mentor college students in Epic
• Looking for ways to help people in my community
• Reading It by Craig Groeschel
• Spending time with Riley, my Siberian Husky
• Visiting my parents and brother in Texas
• Spending “Mentoring Monday” lunches learning from Scott
• Spending time with the guys from my small group and talking about spiritual stuff with them

So perhaps this is more of a belated Thanksgiving post.  Perhaps it’s just a pensive night’s writing.  Regardless, I need to give three shout-outs before I finish this thing.  First, a shout-out to my family, who is always here for me.  Whether it’s good times or tough, “easy to deal with Daniel” or not, they’re always by my side whenever I need them to be.  Second, a shout-out to Scott, who has been a huge influence in my life over the past couple of years.  He has taught me how to be a more humble leader and has encouraged my fascination with Bob Marley.  Third, a shoutout to my small group bros. They are continually teaching me how to overcome my personality flaws and be a man of God in spite of my past failures.  They’re never afraid to show me how stupid I act sometimes and they often remind me to appreciate this awesome life and the people that God puts in it.

So that’s what’s been occupying my mind so far this holiday season.  Not so much the shopping, or gift-giving, or egg-nog, or Christmas lights.  Instead my mind has been set on a lot of things that have been coming together over the past few months.  I can’t say that I know what is ahead, but I think it’s going to be good.  Perhaps it’ll be one of those seasons of life that will be full of tests and lessons.  Perhaps it’ll be one of those smooth sailing times.  Regardless, I think it will be something good.

So to you, the reader, I say take some time this holiday season to do something that will last beyond it.  Well, that’s all for now.  Merry Christmas!