This has been the best Christmas I remember. It seems odd to be able to write that statement when my oldest daughter was absent out of the country and my love is no longer present on this earth. But it is a true statement.I have felt "more alive" this particular Christmas than ever before. After considering everything, I can only contribute my happiness to my sweet time with the man I love.
When loved ones are walking faithfully in their individual faith journeys we can collectively celebrate and enjoy even more of what all Christ offers us in this life.
In other words I think I was able to enjoy Christmas more because Lawren is doing exactly what she is called to do in Thailand. Whoa unto the one who tries to stop the work the Father is doing in a child's heart...a work He has purposed. Releasing her to Him in this way has enabled us as a family remaining at home to function more fully.
Likewise, not becoming lost in my grief, as tempting as it often is but rather focusing on the joy of the experience brought the gift of Christmas into a completely new light.
Really loving someone and allowing yourself to be truly loved opens your heart to sincerely enjoy each moment placed before you. Maybe because you are seeing life through a different set of lens.
True love permeates every fiber of your being no matter how brief. There is no life experience that can touch you without being filtered by a heart touched by love if we allow it.
My love experience on earth is no different than what Christmas is really about. A love offering from the Creator of the Universe to us...His creation. He birthed His own son through a virgin by the power of His Holy Spirit giving us an opportunity to forever be loved eternally, unconditionally, and passionately by The Great I Am. His love is so great for each of us that He gave up his only son born so long ago to a cruel death in order that we might have life.
Not life dreading the holidays, today, or any day but life that we might look expectantly for all that He has in store for each one us. Life to offer that same eternal, unconditional and passionate love for others that He entrusts to each of us.
My life may never touch the lives you touch but in each of our unique ways, when we embrace the gift of life given to each of us by God, we are in for the greatest ride ever as we watch the glory of God be made manifest through the most creative ways.....be it saying "yes" to a child for a friend to sleep over when you are too tired to move or letting your 12 year old son, who is taller than you, wallow all over you while you feel as though you can't breathe from a sinus infection. In those moments, the Father reminds me of the privilege it is to be loved so deeply.
How has the Father ministered to your heart this holiday season. Have you felt "new" as a result of the emphasis of His great gift...Jesus. Behold I make all things new...in Christ you are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) . If you struggle to see the joy in your daily life, maybe the only change that is needed is a good lens cleaning. More often than not we are exactly where we need to be but need only an attitude adjustment for the opportunity before us.
Today I will complete putting up the Christmas decorations for this year. But i will purpose in my heart for the real reason of Christmas to stay fresh and new all year in my heart. It is without dread that I pack away the items until next year. It is with wonderful memories of a great holiday that I carefully wrap each item until I can joyfully pull it back down next year. I am sharing a few pictures of the fun I had decorating my home for Jesus and for anyone He allowed to visit this season.
Thank you for sharing your heart, your beautiful Christmas decorations and traditions. I cannot believe I'm just now getting here, but it was a busy season. I'm blessed by your blog, precious lady! Thank you for taking the time to share!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
kathy