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Amid the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, it is easy to get caught up in the anxiety of all that needs to be done and all the deadlines that need to be met. I find myself feeling overwhelmed when looking at my to-do list, which contains both external and self-imposed deadlines. I react to this situation with a conflicting combination of rushing and paralysis. I asked God to slow me down so that I can appreciate the blessings in my life, and feel peace, believing that this request would be answered in a spiritual sense.
Nope. This request was indeed answered, but not in the way I had imagined. As a result, I sit here hunting and pecking at the keyboard with my left hand because my right wrist is broken. Talk about slowing down! I am starting to appreciate little things like automatic spell check which I heretofore complained about. I’m appreciating technology like leaving voice text messages that I previously thought was a tad bit ridiculous.
I have a newfound appreciation for my husband, who I’ve always been thankful for, but now must be relied on for just about everything. Even the simplest actions, like opening the wrapper on a chocolate bar, require assistance.
As an I-can-do-it type, I’m learning to accept help graciously. Although the graciously part still needs a lot of perfecting. I’m learning that I need to rely on God for all personal and business-related needs, rather than getting in His way.
Strangely, I am slowly learning to be at peace with my slow pace, perhaps because there is no alternative. But whatever the reason, I have begun to appreciate what this slowness is showing me about my priorities and about myself. Through this, He has pared down my to-do list and has rearranged my self imposed deadlines. I’m learning that my relationship with God and others is more important and more gratifying than many of the things on my to-do list. I have been able to reflect on the following during this time: in Christ my future is secure; God has my best interest at heart; I am called for a purpose; I can cease worrying because God is faithful and loves me even though I am far from perfect. I was reminded of Jesus words: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
My wish for you is that you can appreciate the gifts of relationships most this season. In fact, the whole reason that Jesus came to earth was to reveal God and allow us to know Him in a relational, not a religious way. My wish is that God will also give you the gift of peace, that the world cannot give (especially during this crazy busy time), but that He will do it without breaking your arm.
Merry Christmas,
Joyce
Purple Frame of Mind 2 is available as an original framed painting on steel and as limited edition giclee prints.
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