Anyone who knows me, know that I am easily distractable....ok, so I have some serious attention issues. My poor husband can tell you! I think it used to drive him crazy, but he has learned to embrace it. (Only because I'm the perfect angel he always dreamed of) ;)
It's something I struggle with and quite honestly, have to make a conscious effort at. If I'm not careful, my mind is in the clouds...daydreaming. I was that kid that always had notes sent home and notes on report cards about my talking and daydreaming. I can laugh now, and poke fun of myself, but the struggle really led me to discontentment at times. Staying focused on what was important seemed so difficult.
Distractions come in so many forms, and depending on what the distraction is, can speak volume of our weaknesses. For some, it is shopping, others it may be our kids constant activities, food, phones, internet, games, facebook, etc. What kind of distractions is Satan trying to detour you with?
Satan can be good at using our weaknesses to swoop in and try and distract us. But his power is not as strong as our God. And God will always provide us with a way out and a way straight to him. And quite honestly, his power is made PERFECT in our weakness.
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Shew, I don't know about you, but that verse is so encouraging to me! I have ALOT of weaknesses. I struggle everyday, but knowing that if I keep my eyes on him, he will always provide me a way out.
For me, it always comes down to distractions. Distractions that cause me to take my eyes off the one who gives me breath, the one who calms my anxious soul, the one who soothes my hurts, and the one who loves me even when my human flesh take my eyes off of him. And everytime those distractions come, they lead to discontent. I can easily find myself comparing, distressed, and feeling distant from the one who loves me UNCONDITIONALLY!
This season can become one, where distractions easily consume us, the lights, the parties, the gifts, the busy busy busy. But let's remember NOT to give those distractions a foothold. Let's remember to keep Christmas in our heart everyday, even in the midst of the hectic schedules and gift giving. Let's remember to share the greatest gift with everyone we encounter. How can we do this?
We can show them grace, even when it seems undeserved. Because, after all, I don't deserve his wonderful grace! We can give love, even to the unloveable. Because, let's face it, there are a lot of days that I feel unloveable, but he loves me anyway. We can exude joy, even when we don't feel like it. Because, exuding joy even on the worst days can minister to others.
It's when we keep these simple things in mind, and close to our hearts, that we will experience what this season is all about. It's about remembering that tiny baby that would become OUR hope, OUR love, OUR joy and would give us freedom and redemption!
Peace.grace.joy
Lori