{unwrapping Jesus} I Will Not Panic

As I turned the page in my daily calendar, it revealed December 1st. Immediately, I could feel the panic, hustle and bustle weighing in on me. How was I going to fit anything else into my already busy schedule? Don't get me wrong -- I love this time of year; there is something magical and precious about it. The season beckons family, friends, baking, parties and extracurricular activities, all of which sound dreamy and inviting -- until you and your family can no longer function due to holiday stress. And let's face it: when you are stressed out, chances are your husband and children are stressed too. Does this sound familiar? If so, read my article I'm Dreaming of PEACEful Holidays. It all too well describes my every December 1st. But this year, I want the stress, hustle and bustle to roll off me. I want to focus on the Christ-child. The ordinary Babe who came into this world in such non-peaceful circumstances, yet He came to bring PEACE. I want that PEACE. I find myself longing for that peace. Are you longing for that peace this season? Are you dreading the full schedules and chaotic days ahead? It's alright to admit it, it is then we can do something about it. This year I want to unwrap Jesus daily, in every moment. I want to breath His very being and presence.  Joining up with Faith Barista for Unwrapping Jesus Thursdays.

The Picture Speaks

I’m being overtaken with piles of unorganized messes. Here’s a picture worth many words. As you can tell from the chaos on one corner of my desk I have books to return, books to lend, notes to send, papers to throw away, lessons to prepare, lists of magazines to send articles, school papers to file, books to study and handwritten notes to put on a calendar. There are many good intentions scribbled on note cards that are left undone.

Peter F. Drucker once said, “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.”

As you can imagine with this clutter overtaking me, I can’t think. You could say I’m easily confused when things are jumbled up! I don’t know the best place to start to turn these “intentions” into actions.

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” A. A. Milne, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh

So, I am taking a week off from blogging to catch up on what needs to be straightened up, cleaned up and organized here. I can not muddle around in this untidiness any longer.

I’m amazed at how quickly I'm overtaken with disorder if I don’t stay on top of it.

During my week off I’ll be painting a new picture – one of order, organization, and cleanliness!

If you have organizational or cleaning tips I’d love to hear them. Yes, please! Actually, it would be of great encouragement to me.

Reflections

WOW what a wonderful day! It was a day of church, family, rest, and supper with friends. It was refreshing. However, I’m left with this one nagging question – is there someone who I hold a grudge against and have not forgiven? The message this morning was from Matthew 6:15, “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will NOT forgive your sins.”

That’s pretty serious business. I need all the forgiveness available from my Heavenly Father. There are those that have truly wronged me or someone in my family and they have never made it right, apologized, or asked for forgiveness. But in reference to this scripture that doesn’t matter. It is up to me to forgive them. Today, I feel as if I’ve forgiven the horrendous acts. However, I’m spending time in prayer asking God to reveal any unconfessed sin, anger, or bitterness I might be hanging on to. I don’t want to be cut off from God, His grace and mercy.

What an awesome God – He forgives! Hallelujah!

Permission to Rest

I called a friend Monday morning. I told her I was tired, toast, dry, parched and numb. You get the picture? I asked her if she could just tell me the next thing to do. I was too tired to think on my own.

She had no problem telling me what to do. She said you need three days rest! WOW – three days, I’m not even sick. I decided to heed her advice. I’ve rested for three days. Not the kind of rest where I'd camp out on the couch, but the kind where I lingered in my prayer time, read more of God’s word, and lazily finished up some articles I needed to submit. I haven’t been hurried or rushed. I’ve enjoyed each moment.

I’m so thankful my friend knew exactly what this girl needed. Three days rest. Today is the third day and I feel rested. Oh my, I feel like a new woman. I’m no longer a dry, parched soul. I’m refreshed, renewed and reenergized.

Why should I be surprised? Why didn’t I recognize that I just needed rest? I worship the Lord of the Sabbath – the Lord of Rest. Doesn’t He say, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you REST?”

You have permission to rest, my friend. Take three days if needed, but REST.