Mmmmppphhhhh! Can you smell that? Freshley brewed coffee with hazelnut syryp and whipped topping. Gradually, my fingers and palm warm up as the heat penetrates the burgandy and gold, extra wide-rimmed coffee mug. The tall, skinny Christmas tree topped with a perfectly tied oversized bow, shimmering with lights and tinsel fills up the corner next to the couch. With my legs curled up underneath a snuggly wrapped fuzzy napping blanket and a crackling log in the fireplace across the room, my heart is home for christmas. . .
. . .okay, not literally. However, my heart is that happy.
The Lord has shown Himself merciful and good as He gives me lessons, challenges and rewards.
He speaks to us, our God, and even though sometimes we don't hear Him, His still small voice tries to get through our chaotic minds and bless our little souls! And when we do tune into His channel, the signal will only get stronger. I believe that it grows in strength relative to the amount of effort we give to listening. And He has been inviting me to pay attention and let Him into every part of my life.
This week, He's told me to write a friend a note, pray for certain hurting individuals, reminded me of my purpose on earth and that I don't (and can't) fulfill it on my own strength, as well as chided me when my selfishness threatened to overtake an opportunity to bless and honor my husband. Today alone, He has blessed me with a weekend night (Friday through Saturday) to be with my husband with both of us home from work, an encouraging note from a sister in Christ, and an answer to a two year prayer!!
So maybe Christmas as a chilly, decorative season hasn't arrived at my apartment in this 100 degree weather, but CHRIST's work is blooming in my soul as I strive to seek the Lord, know HIm better, make HIm part of my everyday life, and learn from His quiet promptings. He is always near, and that makes it always Christmas regardless of the month!
