Grumbling, murmuring, complaining, faultfinding, nit picking, self-pity, self-focus, self-centeredness...it had me in it's ugly grip. Somewhere my words of wisdom to "just keep Christmas simple, keep the main thing the main thing. keep your wits about you and your priorities straight" that I have preached to others, I felt myself failing to live up to. The month started out so lovely, but somehow, somewhere along the way, too much busy-ness, combined with situations that had my emotions stretched rubberband tight, made my time by my prayer bench and in the Word feel more like ritual, than reality, (I'm being painfully honest here), and I felt as though I was being buried alive in an avalanche of negative thoughts and emotions. But thank God, (those aren't just words, I really mean it, THANK GOD!), before I did too much damage to my beloved husband, I got my wits about me enough to get on my walking clothes, grab my coat, and head out into the fresh air. And for the next hour, God and I, in the way we've done for these many, many years walked and had it out...I mean walked and talked. And once all the "I think, I feel, I...I...I..." talk was out, I recognized and repented of all the ugly self absorbtion, and received His grace. And the next day, in spite of monsoon like rain, I donned my raincoat and we walked and talked again. And now, the gratitude is returning, and the thankfulness, and the realization that I am overwhelmingly, undeservedly blessed. Thank God.
172) A kind husband who makes his daughter coffee and breakfast whenever she's home
173) An unexpected Christmas present along with encouraging words
174) Lunch with friends
175) An encouraging text
176) Our annual tradition with the grandkids, of dipping pretzels, (and this year, peanut butter balls too, yum!) followed by baths, clean pajamas, and a ride to look at Christmas lights
177) Intercessors who we can call, or email, with prayer needs
178) A Christmas get-together with hubby's mama, sister and her family...first time Great-Grandma got to see her baby great grandaughter!
179) A great Christmas service at church with a special performance by the children
180) 84 year old mama taking hubby and I to lunch at Taco Bell, (which she loves!)
Thank you for your honesty. It is nice to know that other people have been going throught the same things as me. I love all the pictures.
ReplyDeleteYou are a dear soul! Being honest for all to read your struggles is truly a blessing to others. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGod's grace is overwhelming.
Merry Christmas
Beautiful post. One of the things I have learned from counting blessings is that my soul is happier with simplicity. I am moving toward simplicity in all of my life now. I am in the process of cutting out, sizing down and focusing on Christ, my family, and service.... Thanks for a great post.
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