QUIETING MY HEART & FINDING JOY

The more I have to do, the louder and faster this little drummer beats. He has no mercy. The beats begin as soon as I wake up. Sometimes he beats so loud, I can’t think. 

“Do this! Do that! Come on, let’s get those to-do items checked off your list!!”

Of course, there’s a tremendous amount of satisfaction in checking things off a list. But sometimes, I find myself so busy I’m missing the joy of the season. 

And that’s exactly where I was, last week. 

I was doing a lot of running around but showing very little progress. Buying this, seeing something better, changing my mind, taking it back, and starting the whole process all over again. I also found myself giving way too much attention to the drummer. You know, the one mentioned above. Telling me to do this and do that, and hurry, hurry, hurry. No time to light pine tree candles, sing a Christmas carol or grab my usual cup of coffee and read quietly in the morning. 

With Christmas gaining on me, I was making little progress and began to feel overwhelmed!! 

I had to sit myself down and give myself a talking-to.

Okay, self. Are you listening?!! This is Christmas!! The time to remember the much-anticipated mystery of God becoming man to redeem and restore creation to Himself. To dwell with and within man!! For centuries God had held the world in suspense. Waiting, anticipating…as little by little He revealed His plan through covenants, prophets, a nation, and system of worship. His plan was finally coming together, just like He said.

The angels who witnessed Him speak creation into existence longed to see the things that were taking place!!

O how marvelous this had to be, to behold!!

Can you imagine this scene? God says, “Okay, guys, it’s time. I want you to make an announcement to some shepherds who are watching sheep. No, now is not the time for announcing His coming with lightning that is seen from the east to the west. This is a quiet announcement, and I want it made to shepherds. But don’t worry, they’ll spread the news!”  

“Okay, little drummer guy…time to wrestle you to the ground. You do not beat my drum.”

I pulled out a booklet of Christmas Carols and began to sing, “Angels from the realms of glory.” 

O what a sweet time of worship!!!

As God would have it, after working on my own soul…I got a call from the Dental office about rescheduling a cleaning appointment.  Did the usual chit-chat and the woman on the phone mentioned feeling overwhelmed at Christmas and missing a bit of the joy. 

We talked about missing our children and how the season changes over the years. I shared some of the simple things I do to enjoy Christmas. Simple things like wearing Christmas earrings, watching Christmas movies with my hubby and drinking hot cocoa with lots of whipped cream.  I could tell she was listening as she laughed and said, “Good ideas.” And mmm’d and ahhh’d at appropriate times. Then there was this lull. 

It was like…God said, “Okay, now give her the good stuff.”

So, I mentioned the reason for the season and how easy it is to forget the greatest mystery of all, of Almighty God becoming Man to love and redeem us. She was quiet, thanked me and hung up the phone. 

A day later, I had it in my heart to bring some goodies to the office and bring an advent book of Christmas Carols. I gave it to the LORD, not sure how I would be received.  Went to Cracker Barrel, found a tin of chocolate and peppermint goodies and brought my booklet. 

After telling the office manager who I was, (after all, I only go twice a year for cleanings…if that. Ha!!) I was about to leave the tin and booklet at the desk of the assistant who called, when she said, “Wait!! Let me go get her.” 

It was as though she knew something of our conversation. 

Though the dental assistant was with a patient, she excused herself, came down the hallway and gave me a great BIG hug.  

O may we never forget that we have a wonderful message of hope!!

Let’s be sure to take time to join the angels in marveling at our awesome God!! And like the shepherds, tell others the marvelous story of what we have seen and heard. 

What about you? How has God encouraged you this season?? I would love to hear. 

Blessings ‘n hugs,