I've got to learn to stop checking accounts, opening bills, etc. at night when I get home from work. When a mistake is made on a bill and I've been overcharged, I get really mad, and then there's usually no one open to call to get the situation fixed. Then I worry about it all night, regardless of how hard I try. Tonight it was when I discovered that the mortgage payment I made on Saturday was labelled an overpayment, bounced back to my checking account, and now my mortgage account says I'm late on the payment. What gives? Now I've got a fun call to the bank tomorrow to get it straightened out.
All of this is a joy stealer. One of the best gifts Jesus gave us is peace of mind.  "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, because now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. (John 14:27-28) It's really incredible when you think about it. Not only did He choose to save us from the eternal consequences of our sin, He gave us an unearthly peace. People think there will be peace when there is no war on earth, but what the world doesn't understand is that A.) Lack of conflict/war doesn't mean everything is okay and B.) Until Jesus returns, there are going to be people causing war. I do like the John Lennon Christmas Song "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" but it's not realistic.
The peace of mind Jesus gives us, I think, is far better than peace on earth. Peace of mind that comes through Jesus gives us the strength to handle and even thrive during really difficult times. I don't know about you, dear readers, but this has been an incredibly difficult year. But I have sensed God's peace even while watching my mother-in-law struggle to breathe during her last days. He's been there at the funerals I've attended in the last couple of years. He's been there when I've watched loved ones go through things nobody should have to.
I thank God that my parents loved me enough to teach me the things I needed to; to help me realize that I needed God--without Him I can't do anything. I'm glad my mother was with me and helped me ask Jesus to be my Savior. So if people ask me what I want for Christmas, it's hard for me to answer since I believe I already have what I most want--a relationship with God and the peace of mind He gives....