I love Christmas surprises; the simple pleasures that make
me stop and think “That person really cares.”
Twice today I received such a surprise.
Once, when a package arrived from friends on the east coast delivering a
lovely gift I was not expecting.
Secondly, I received a Christmas card from a long-time friend whom I
lost touch with a few years ago. She
moved and was so thoughtful to connect again and share her new address! Unexpected surprises are wonderful!
I decided to shuffle things around a bit today and surprise
Jesus by showing up mid-day and surprise Him with a pinch of quality time despite
my hectic schedule. The middle of the
day is so busy, especially at Christmastime.
There are cards to address, cookies to bake, decorations to hang and
people to meet with and encourage. These
are all good but even good things that have value need to be placed in
perspective. I’ve read many blog posts
and devotionals that target getting our priorities right in December. My guess is that everybody battles the stress
of getting ready for Christmas just like me, checking off the long list of
stuff that must get done.
I discovered that my mid afternoon pause for coffee with
Jesus is a relaxing antidote for a tense, active day. I’m not forgetting the reason for
Christmas. After all, it is His birthday
we celebrate. John’s gospel, Chapter
One, says:
14 So the Word became human and made his
home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen
his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
15 John testified about him when he shouted
to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is
coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”
16 From his abundance we have all received
one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given
through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus
Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God.
But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has
revealed God to us.
Linking:
Linking to Testimony Tuesday
This post links to Tell Me a Story.
Surprises are so much fun, but I am sure your visit with Jesus was no surprise to Him. As I am reading in the Gospels, I notice how Jesus knew so many thing before they ever happened. Thank you for sharing with us here at "Tell me a Story." I love your darling tree!
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you so much for sharing about how you surprised Jesus in the middle of the day (although I'm sure He wasn't actually surprised because I know how much you love Him). Thank you for the example...I am going to give it a try today.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, sweet friend.
Excellent reminder to take the time that means the most. We get so easily distracted by this flesh. The real surprise I think is how we find peace and joy in His presence every time!
ReplyDeleteMary, great reminder to enjoy those surprise the Lord sends our way. I love it that He continues to surprise me with His over whelming love and mercy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good feeling to receive a gift from someone and we feels good when someone gives their effort and time to connect with us.
ReplyDeleteBut the best moment ever is to be with the presence of God:) May you be blessed even.more my friend:)
Hello, there! I was just thinking of you earlier today, as I prayed for your daughter. I am still remembering to pray for her on a regular basis. I loved reading your thoughts about your mid-day time with Jesus. Any moment we spend with Him is SO precious! Merry Christmas to you and your family!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe willingness to be still amidst all the hustles and bustles is what's tough and I know, Jesus must be glad to see you do that and spend time in His awesome presence. In return you were rewarded with knowing Him more...and now, your faith blesses mine more as you share that wonderful time with Him. May the Lord strengthen you and guide you with His wisdom and discernment. Take care sister Mary and Merry Christmas again to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this! I love surprises, too and it seems this time of year is more full of them than other times! I think I will go and enjoy a mid-day 'date' with God today as well! Thanks for the reminder that He is worth breaking our routines! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet that you got two surprises in the mail. I love them anytime but Christmas is the best. Thank you for the reminder to pause and thank God in the midst off our busy days. I usually do my devotions in the am and then put it in fast gear.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see you and how you share so specifically with the way the Lord reaching in or is filled with rejoice Himself. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you said that-that you surprised God. I need to do that more often! :)
ReplyDeleteI received an unexpected gift last week myself. Such fun! I love how you planned a surprise date with Jesus. :) I need to do more of those myself this week especially.
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