My sweet Sarah, dearest of friends, right in front of my eyes.
I have not wrapped all of the packages.
As a matter of fact, I have not bought presents for all of my children that I meant to buy–almost nothing for Joy, because it just hasn’t worked out.
The streets are frenzied and crowded and there is a desire inside, “I want to be sure the kids feel loved. I haven’t gotten everything done that I meant to do.”
My dear boys and friends who are not often together or home–I want to sit and listen to all of their stories and hold the moments.
But, I am choosing today to stop the frenzy.
I want to sit for a while and love my Jesus. To remember how grateful I am to know Him and to understand His presence, God with us, God with me, Immanuel, every day and especially today.
I will look in to the eyes of Clay and see what I might do to lighten his load.
Sweet Joy, home from college, I want to squeeze her and cherish each moment.
My four children, all filled with heart needs,–I hope I will leave you today with a sense that I love you and care for all the pressures and stresses and insecurities and issues that are on your heart and that you will have the present of my presence.
In short, I am dedicating this day to what I think will matter, above the things that are crying and vying for my attention.
Please let me be faithful to all that matters and not a slave to the things that will create more stress.
I give this day to you, Jesus.
Sally, I miss you! And I am feeling the same way. Thank you for your words of encouragement this day. Enjoy your special time at home.
Please let me be faithful to all that matters and not a slave to the things that will create more stress. I give this day to you, Jesus.
~Amen Sally, thank you for the beautiful reminder today
Wow, did I ever need this devotional! This morning I felt the frenzy countered by the WHY am I doing all this. Why is it so hard to let Him rule the day and to be a Mary in a Martha world. Ease my mind Lord and help me to hear You and the needs of those around me.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you!!! As I sit here eating lunch with dirty dishes in the sink and on the counter, laundry sitting there to be folded, and needing to tidy the house a bit I started asking myself what I have done with this day so far. Well, I have fed my children, prayed with my husband, snuggled with my children with a movie and then a book, and I spent a lot of time just talking and snuggling with my boys. I realize that I have done the more important things. The dirty dishes and laundry will be here after I fill the love tanks in this house.
WISE words written! May this season bring you many blessings!
Thank you for the reminder Sally! Have a Merry Christmas!
We have just moved in to our Colorado home and I haven’t wrapped ANY packages yet! We have been unpacking for four days and getting everyone settled and enjoying the beautiful mountain views!
That’s exactly it, Sally, “not a slave to the things that will create more stress.”. Aahhh, the peace of saying no to stress and yes to Him! Thank you for these words.
Thank you Sally. Your perspective, love for your Lord and for your family encourage me consistently. Thank you for being faithful to the life which you have been called. I am inspired to be faithful as well.
This post made me cry. Oh how I need more of Him!!! Thank you, Sally!