God is so good.
This Christmas it was going to be that I would be here in Denver, staying at home, and spending Christmas evening with a local family I feel very much a part of. *Insert disclaimer.
But it wouldn't be my family.
Enter me, at my reluctant submissive stage I find myself at startlingly often.
(Talking to God)
"Alright. I'm going to be here. If that's what you have for me, I'll be thankful for my amazing Denver friends and realize that this is growing up. I'll enjoy finding out about someone else's Christmas, and still dive in to what it means to be your child."
End of conversation, and I still have a slightly sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Growing up isn't always as fun as I imagined it.
Enter God. (Paraphrased)
"*Sigh. Hi James. Finally. I've been here, waiting for you for...eternity. (God smiles) I knew you'd show up eventually. Cause I'm God! I know that stuff. So let's talk about Christmas, I have plans for you. Oh yes, I have plans.
See, I needed for you to submit it to me and realize that it was completely out of your control, now I get to do my thing and encourage you, lift you up and show you that I love you.
You know I love you, but I get to show you again! This is one of my favorite parts about being God you know, showing all my kids how much I love them.
This time of year sometimes it's tough, but I still love it.
Mkay, ready?"
James checks his facebook several weeks ago. On it his sister mentions that she is getting rid of her car and that there's someone in Denver who'd like it.
James starts to hope, then stops and picks up his phone instead.
Fifteen minutes later he's even more hopeful. Maybe he'll get to drive the car back to Denver for the family interested in it.
Enter today. James wakes up, yawns, and starts his day. Several hours later, God smiles. It's all done, everything is worked out. James will be flying out to Seattle and spending Christmas with his brother-in law and sister and niece and nephew.
I have a lot to learn.
In Genesis 12, God gives His first promise to Abraham. That's not a very long time, twelve chapters. And then in chapter 22, He repeats it to Abraham, only ten chapters later.
God has been more than faithful in my life, whispering and showing me His promises for me, then repeating them only chapters later. Today I recognize that this Christmas will be different, very different, because I have a God who waits patiently for me.
Psalm 139 1-10
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, a]">[a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Oh James, I am so happy for you! As your Denver family we would have LOVED to have you spend Christmas with us, but I completely understand that we are not your flesh and blood family ;)
ReplyDeleteHope to see you before you fly out!
~Rose & the fam