Never Ever Dull
With every conversation, I always seem to end with "Never a dull moment"....our lives are rich, complex, and beautiful stories. Join me in laughing about everyday things and appreciating life-bumpy roads and all.
I love Christmas Eve services: family & friends reuniting, children's voices and cries during the message at those quiet moments, old and young singing my favorite carols, the look of anticipation on little children's faces. But my favorite part of the whole night is when all the lights are turned off. And then, in complete darkness, one candle is lit. Gradually, more candles are lighted and everyone is mesmerized. Most churches sing Silent Night or Joy to the World at this point. A time to pause and reflect on the purpose of celebrating Christmas. One Christmas Eve service in Franklin, TN, the worship pastor shared how as a kid, he tried to keep his candle burning. He left the church and carefully shielded the candle so that it would continue to burn brightly. I could see raised eyebrows in the congregation as kids looked to their parents with that look: Can I do that? What an idea!!! As we left the service, kids were definitely trying this novel idea out. However, it was a very blustery night and it kind of turned into a dangerous event. I remember seeing boys running trying to make it to their family vans making "barricades" with their coats to protect their flames. Girls with long flowing hair were concentrating more on the candle as their perfectly curled locks were about to be singed. No one made it far that evening with those candles burning. Sometimes, our lives are just like that. We strive really hard following a great message to keep our lights burning in the midst of everything. Aspirations and hopes to keep our lights bright and to be a change in our dark world. But along the way, we encounter outside elements that extinguish that light. For me, I know juggling life with four kids and all their activities, trying to serve and eat nutritious meals, grocery shopping for the food to prepare those meals, doctor appointments for all, working full time and looking for ways to supplement my income, and on and on.... That's what can make my light go out. As I start this day, my prayer is that you and I can keep the light burning. No matter what comes our way. No matter what our "extinguishers" might be. Try and provide barricades and shield your light from those outside elements. I get that it's hard but let's all strive to keep our lights burning. One light makes a difference in the darkness. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
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AuthorFun-loving mom to 4 kids and 1 big puppy. Fifth grade teacher of amazing little people who have never ending things to share with me. Love to discuss Jesus, diy projects, and life. Trying to keep it simple: Love Jesus, love people. Archives
December 2021
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