Merry Christmas

This is the season that I love the most. I love the traditions, the history, the meaning. It is this season that, for me, is all about joy. I know that I don't live in the joy of the Lord like I should, but Christmas shouts that joy. It is present in the incredible Christmas carols that speak of miracles, of hopes and of dreams.  It is in the noise and craziness of time with family. It surrounds the traditions of advent. It calls us to put aside self, to give and bask in the glory of the joy of others. When I think of all of those who don't have, I am so grateful that I get to celebrate in the unadulterated joy of children on Christmas morning. I am overwhelmed by how much I have to give, how much I have been given, and how much more I want others to have a piece of that joy. There are so many things that could be, and sometimes are, hard about this season... but I want to drink the joy, to believe the miracles, to live the dreams. That is my wish and my prayer, that the reason for this season would be joy incarnate and that His joy might abound more and more.

Being Thankful

I'm late in my thanksgiving posting, but not because I am not thankful. I think it is more because I am having such a difficult time putting exactly what I am thankful for into words. But I don't want to leave this season without recognizing and giving voice to it. So...

• I am thankful that I don't have a "real" job right now. 
• I am thankful that while I can't figure out how to help, support, encourage in just the right way, I am enough just as I am.
• I am thankful that life is messy and unknown, but that there is peace... most days.
• I am thankful for a new Bible Study group.
• I am thankful that there is a mercy that protects me and a grace that upholds me.
• I am thankful for the waiting.
• I am thankful that there are no surprises for God.
• I am thankful for the innocence and honesty of children - I am thankful for their faith that makes me believe more fully, understand more deeply, and remember more completely.
• I am thankful for coffee mugs, a working car, warm slippers. 
• I am thankful for a God that keeps pursuing, who never leaves.

I don't understand the graciousness of God in my life. I can only attempt to put into words how overwhelmed I am by the presence of God... everyday. He is the foundation that does not shake. He is peace amidst unrest. His is the comfort that sustains. I don't deserve it, I can not earn it, and yet He gives more than I have asked for...

For that, I am thankful.