“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.” -Rick Warren

As the Holiday season is approaching, there is nothing better than going home for Christmas break and being surrounded by those who you love. Putting up the Christmas tree and Christmas lights, watching your favorite Christmas movies, and making those delicious cookies that will keep your warm for the rest of winter. Family is one of God’s greatest gifts and we cannot take it for granted.

Everyone at one point in their life has thought themselves to be “too cool” for their parents. Teenagers are the majority of these people because they don’t want to be embarrassed or judged for hanging out with their parents. Do you ever wonder how your parents feel when this happens? They do so much for you in your lifetime and you're embarrassed of being with them? Think of all that your parents have done for you. They have paid for your schooling, provided you with food and a home, they even sat through your sports games when you were younger, which I'm sure was very painful to watch at that age. They have been your #1 supporters since day one and provided you with all you need to be successful. We should be thankful for all the love and time they have given to us.

Once you reach college, you realize how good you really have it. College changes you and the perspective you have on the relationship with your parents. In more ways than one; parents become your best friends. If you are in high school and reading this, you may be thinking that is impossible… but believe me, I was in your shoes thinking I was too cool for my parents. Now in college, I am overly excited to talk to my parents and tell them all about my day. They are the first ones I reach out to when something happens; I even text my mom what to wear the next day or the simplest things like “Mom!!! I ate a cookie today!” No matter what you have to say, your parents will love you reaching out to them and telling them all you have to say. I have certainly grown to appreciate all they have done for me and to make those memories that will last forever.

If there is one thing I wanted to tell you this Holiday season is to spend time with your family. Put up the Christmas tree with your mom, hang up Christmas lights with your dad; make the most of the time you have with your parents. They will appreciate the time you spend with them. Hanging out with your parents may not be the coolest thing, but it means the world to them.

Growing up I was told to substitute the person’s name you are talking about for “love” into 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The verses say, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Parents are patient and they are kind. Yes they may get angry with you at times, but look at it as if they care about you want you to learn from past mistakes. They forgive you when you do wrong. They protect you, trust you, and hope the best for you. Parents are love. For all that our parents do for us, the least we can do is give them the best gift of all, our love and time. The most important time not only this Holiday season, but the most important time of our life, is family time.