It seems like there is so much to do these last few days before Christmas: finish wrapping gifts, do “countdown to Christmas” with Mackenzie, send out last-minute cards, mail gifts to out-of-state family, clean house, move that silly Elf before Mackenzie sees him in the same spot as the night before, catch up on laundry, squeeze in snuggle time during those precious few hours between getting everyone home from work & school and bath/bedtime, get gift for Dirty Santa with the Yellville family this weekend. I could go on and on because it’s so easy to get caught up in the little things like that, especially if you are like me and have lists coming out of your ears because you sort of love making them.
I got Mackenzie to school and hugged her tight before she ran to find her spot on the carpet and sing “Joy to the World – It’s Christmas” with her class.
Sloane was asleep by the time we pulled up to her daycare and I decided to sit there for a moment before having to wake her up to go inside. I checked Facebook to see what’s going on with family and friends and my heart dropped when I saw some of the updates.
The first update I read was a prayer request from a friend for herself. She was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer last Friday and although her doctor is very optimistic that she will be cured, that news is not what you want to hear. She is a young wife and mother to beautiful 3 year old twins. It would be hard to hear that news any day of the year, but being this close to Christmas seems to make the news even worse in my opinion. I’m praying for her to have complete healing and for her family during this journey.
The next update I read was a prayer request from a “blog” friend. Her sister-in-law suffered several mini-strokes on Friday and while she was still in the hospital, she had another small stroke yesterday. At about 2 this morning, the neurologist discovered that there was some swelling on her brain. They have done a procedure to alleviate the swelling and are monitoring her to see how she responds over the next 24 hours. She is also a young mother with three beautiful children and I just can’t imagine what her family is going through. I’m praying for her to be healed and for her family.
That’s when I started to lecture myself. Shame on me for worrying about such petty things like cleaning house and mailing Christmas cards while other people are dealing with real tragedies and real problems.
Then I decided to hit the “reset” button on my day and check my mom’s Facebook page for her daily post of the Jesus Calling devotional. I’m so glad I did. Here’s the entry for today:
December 19
Do not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them.
Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so I can be in the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Me, being responsive to My initiatives. I can communicate with you most readily when your mind is uncluttered and turned toward Me. Seek My Face continually throughout this day. Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being.Wow.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
—Proverbs 16:3
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
—Matthew 6:33
I am so thankful for a God who creates moments like this and knows how to “wow” me by saying exactly what I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it.
I'm so thankful for a God who doesn't need everything to be perfectly placed and in order for me to come and talk with Him.
I’m so thankful for a God who loves me in spite of the countless times I lose sight of what’s truly important every single day.
I’m so thankful for a God who loves me so much that “He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Merry Christmas, y'all!