Well, I didn't make it back to blogging before CHRISTmas arrived. There's something about your husband's emergency eye surgery and your unexpected bout with the flu that just took the blogger right out of me. :) As I reflect back on this CHRISTmas season though, I have learned so much throughout this month of seeking Him. Taking the time to be intentional of seeking Jesus each day has brought me rest and peace in a month of craziness. With our move to North Carolina, I didn't even have time to get caught up in the retail craziness this year. That alone is worth a hallelujah! Also, in the busyness of the move, I found Him right in the middle of every single day. Whether it was a day that I was still before Him, or that I was running around like crazy packing, unpacking, trying to get to the hospital or doctor visits in a new city, or laying in bed half delirious. Jesus was right there with me, and I knew it and felt it. Immanuel.
This year, I also discovered that when you have nothing else that has made up your Christmas in years past, Jesus is more than enough. Not that these traditions were THE focus, but they've always been a part of my celebrations. Things like shopping, decorating, lots of baking, Christmas parties, visiting with family out of town- all of these have been part of our celebrations of Christmas in years past, yet we weren't able to do any of them this year. When asked what I loved most about Christmas, I'd normally include all of these things with the obvious answer of "Jesus." Again, genuine answer, but I think I've added other things to Jesus in the past when I reflected on what I love about Christmas. As I sat in Christmas Eve service with my husband before me leading our church and my children around me, even then, I thought, "THIS is what Christmas is about." But I was corrected. Again. Christmas is not about Jesus +anything. Not even my family-including my children and husband. Don't get me wrong-I'm thankful I have family to enjoy and celebrate with, but they do not "make" Christmas. I began this month seeking more of Jesus, and I can honestly say I found Him. And I found Him to be MORE than enough. Completely sufficient. In the midst of change. In the midst of health scares. In the midst of new. In the midst of uncertainty. In the midst of unfamiliar. In the midst of Christmas.
Lord, help me to be intentionally setting my mind on You daily. Let 2013 be a year where You become bigger to me, not because You changed because that is impossible. You could never be bigger than You already are, but let it be because I have changed. Draw me closer and closer to You, Immanuel. You are near. You are more than enough for me.
"People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet because they keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it
because in the Lord God you have a sure thing."
Isa. 26:3-4 (MSG)
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