The holiday season has arrived. As is typical for late November, thoughts are lost amongst the swelling bellies and wallets in drought. It's a season, in origin, that should be time for deep thoughts, thankful hearts and adoration for a creator who has blessed His creation. For many, the familiar scent of tradition nears the horizon, and we remember times of family togetherness and look forward with anticipation to what might await this time around.
This year has already proved to be a defining time in my life. My 26th year on this earth has been both the hardest, and the best. I have been tested and stretched, and though I find myself a bit ragged and mangled, I am setting out on a new journey with peace in my heart. I have believed in Christ for many years; this is the first I have believed Him. I'll be honest, the shift in perspective has required a complete heart break. What I see now is that as I cried, He held me--just like He promised. When I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, He was my guide, He comforted me--just like He promised. When I looked to Him like a dad, begging for approval, He rejoiced over me with singing--just like He promised. And, as I battled against painfully lonely realities, He defended my cause and fought for me--just like He promised.
I recently read a story of a little girl who worked long and hard to earn enough money to purchase a pearl necklace at a dime store. It was her pride and joy, something she loved with her entire being. She would wear it all time, except for in the bath because it's poor quality would leave a green ring around her neck. Each night before bed her dad would ask her if she loved him, and each night she responded "yes". And, then he would ask her to give him her pearls. She would always reply no, and instead offer him any number of her other toys. He would reply, "that's ok, goodnight", and that would be that. Finally, after weeks of this routine, the little girl gave an offering to her dad before he had the chance to say anything. You know that it must have broke her little heart to offer up her most prized and valued possession. But, she did it because she loved her dad, and trusted that he has her best interest at heart. Now, here's where the story gets good... As she handed over the shabby plastic pearls, her dad pulled out a box containing a real strand of pearls to give her. You see, he had had them every night, longing to give his little girl something beautiful and real. Like I often do myself, the little girl held on to mediocre because she didn't know that splendid was an option.
This story resonated deep into my soul. I felt like it was a promise from my own heavenly Father, that if I would let go of the things that turned my neck green, He would bless me with something sensational. I have spent the last six months trying to hold on to things that hurt me, have broken me, and make me weak and ugly. The Father that I love has asked for these, and instead of fighting, I have said ok. I have given up the thing that is the most precious in my life, knowing that His grace will sustain me in the balance, and my genuine pearls are coming soon.
I am finding that this season brings much more than I bargained for. I am looking back on traditions that although unhealthy, are familiar. I am free in Him enough to see that He has more. So much more. I want this to continue to be a time where I draw strength from pure sources, feasting steadfastly only on truth and giving grace alone. I want to let go of this world, and cling with every fiber of my being to the story of old: For God so loved ME, that he gave His only son, that if I believe in Him alone, I should have abundant and overflowing life.
Cheers to new traditions and learning the art of letting go.
May you embark on the season with Hope for a brighter tomorrow, and a purpose in your soul. The winds come with a whispering promise: take hold my child, you're in MY hands, I will take care of you...
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