Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Rush

Ok, it seems that my 'quick' way of cutting and pasting my Christmas letter will not suffice as a legitimate blog. So longhand is the way to go. Seems like each time I am tempted to skip through something important to deal with the urgent, I get a timely reminder.
How I enjoy the "Marthness" of this season. The lists, the plans, the timing to perfection.
I have to admit to getting a little 'high' on the Christmas Rush. Even the inevitable complaints of Christmas hold a strange fascination for me... If I am doing more, I have more to complain about...? Some strange and warped way of feeling good about myself. "I must be doing well, look how much I have to do, how much I have accomplished, how much I, I, I..." A strangely familiar yet insistently sinful ring to it. Lord forgive this selfish need to control it all.
How I seek to rest in Him, to give for the blessing of giving not for reward. To understand His gift to me. No, not gift, but gifts. So many, so rich, so patient is He with me.
This year has not been easy, for me, for many, but it has been blessed. Blessed with courage and strength from His hand. Blessed with forgiveness and kindness, with provision and sustaining, lifegiving love from a Father who loves to give...
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotton Son..." John 3:16

Merry Christmas