"What do you know?" This is a frequent greeting we get from one of our neighbors here. I am never quite sure what he means exactly...does he want to hear me rattle off my times tables, or what I've done that day, or the latest gossip? Well, I thought it would be fun to put that question on you, "What do you know?" I will clarify what I mean though...what are you learning lately? What everyday miracles have you experienced? What is God teaching you in His word? What do you know...in your "world", in your sphere of influence, what is it you are learning? I can't wait to hear your repsonses, and the growth (big or small) that you are experiencing during this Christmas season.
"What do I know":
Well, I am reluctantly learning that Christmas is not about gifts. As you know I LOVE GIFTS (giving and receiving); some may call me selfish or shallow, but it is the truth; I enjoy gifts. For the past three mornings I have faithfully listened to our local Christian radio station, yes, I enjoy the music, but it is mostly because I'm trying to win the Christmas countdown gifts, (they add a new one each day, they are up to 5 CD's tomorrow morning). Sad to say, I have been in a bit of a funk when I don't win. One day I was caller #1, then caller #4, but caller #3 was what they were looking for.:( Adam gently and lovingly asked me this morning, "What do you think God is trying to teach your through this (me not winning)?" And I quickly mumbled with a shy, pouty smile, "that Christmas is not about gifts.":)
Really, not being able to do much for Christmas this year in way of gifts (giving or receiving) has been a huge blessing- because I think I am beginning to understand deeper/better that the best gifts are people; family and friends and being together. I know, I know, so many people say that and already know that; it probably seems horrifying that I haven't grasped this all better before...but I am being real here. But, I feel like now our lives (and home) are much less cluttered (literally and figuratively), and we now have more room for what is really important, especially this season.
I remember when I was learning about the love languages I wondered if my love language, "gifts" was in the Bible. Did God really speak that language or not? I shut up when I came across these passages; maybe it is God's love language too.:)
"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." -James 1:17
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD..." -Psalm 127:3
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ."
- Romans 6:23
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (Jesus)!"
3 comments:
Great post! I have learned that the bigger house you have the more room you have to put stuff you don't need. I lived in a smaller home when I first was married and I loved it. We have a bigger house now, and it is nice to have more room, but I find that with added space comes added stuff. I think I prefer a simple life, full of less clutter and stuff.
There was a question in my local paper "What was your favorite Christmas gift?". I had to stop and ponder that for a bit... hmmmm... all the years growing up I can't think of one favorite gift that stands out. Wow, What I always loved and still do about Christmas was getting together with family and the anticipation of it all! Just being together, sharing moments, smiles laughter. Hey, that's the good stuff. Money can never buy that.. God makes the good stuff!
Thanks for asking the question Katie! God Bles us everyone!
Your Friend,
Beth
Thanks so much for sharing Beth- great picture of you too by the way! I enjoyed hearing your heart; thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your 3 "boys"!:)
Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
Love Beth
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