Every year since the “ripe old age” of ELEVEN, I’ve made New Year’s Resolutions. (That’s 25 years, folks!) My very first resolutions? Be nice to my siblings. Try to be good no matter what. Always keep a smile. Study hard. Try to get good grades. Try to be nice to everyone. Be confident. Always exercise. Write in diary every night. Always read Bible anytime. I think I failed at most of those.
Rest is yet another subject that has been coming to my attention for the last few months. I needed it for sure when I lost my job in August. God provided. I got a new job, and I imagined it would be busy. But God provided rest. At times while working, He has blessed me with rest with classes that weren’t so intensive. But right now, though I am not stressed at work, I am stressed with my current classes. So much reading, so many detailed assignments. But as of today, I have two more assignments to complete—and four days…
As we approach Christmas, awaiting the gifts from Santa underneath the tree, but most importantly, awaiting the celebration of the birth of Christ, I am seeing more and more each day the word "anticipation." I reflected on anticipation during an advent experience about two weeks ago. I've heard it in church. I've seen it in magazines. I feel as though this is something ordinary that has been discussed every year. Somehow, I feel as though I missed it in years past. This year, that word-it is standing out to me as I await new things. Yet sometimes what we anticipate…
Yes, I stole a bra, but let me explain. After my friend and I had enjoyed a light lunch at our new local eatery, we decided to spend a few minutes meandering the shops before carpool beckoned. The sun was out, the sky was blue, the shops were open. All was calm as we wandered from shop to shop. Then it happened. “Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!! I’ve stolen a bra!” I screamed. Having just left the first boutique without splashing any cash, I pushed open the door of our next fashion emporium. Time slowed as I noticed the rather ugly bra dangling from my wrist…
This week I haven’t had it within me to say yes to God and His promises. Where I should have shouted a resounding yes, I’ve defiantly mumbled a yes but. Do you know that feeling? When you’re overwhelmed, hurt, or can’t catch your breath, hundreds of reasons why this promise doesn’t apply to you race through your mind, and every fiber of your being screams YES, BUT. Yes but…You don’t understand. Yes but…this is different. Yes but…I’m not good enough. Yes but…this is just too big. I find myself yes-butting God on a daily basis don’t you? Me: I’m a hot mess. My…