You have successfully made it to November, a time of peace, self reflection, family, tea, hoodies, sweatpants, and the wonderful smell of burning leaves. However, amidst all the happiness and joy that fills the air, there seems to also be a hint of stress. Students are worrying about midterm exams, adults are worried about finding that perfect dish to make for Thanksgiving dinner, and parents are worrying about Christmas and the pressures of finding the perfect gifts. Silly people. We all spend so much time striving for perfection (and I am COMPLETELY guilty of this, too) that we don't take time to stop, breathe, and spend time with God. Instead of using this wonderful time of year to thank God for everything we have been blessed with, we drive ourselves to near-insanity trying to live up to expectations and worrying about EVERYTHING.
Christmas has come early to the Low Country. At least, Wal-Mart and the local radio stations seem to think so. I usually get as excited and crazy as a little kid after eating 289 lollipops when I see the decorations in stores for the first time every year. For some reason, this year seems different. I am still looking forward to Christmas, but I am not as excited this year. This is... unnatural.
My birthday is in two weeks, and I have not even made plans or asked for anything. Usually, I would be counting down like a five year old. Now, all I can think about is the abundance of tests, quizzes, and projects that are due before then. As I ate my lunch today and the cafeteria teriyaki chicken inspired deep thought, I imagined what it would be like if I could stop time. What would I do? Would I study for my classes? Would I go ride all the roller coasters in the world? Would I go to the giant library in Dublin, Ireland, and drink tea and browse all the books on amazing sliding ladders (now we're talking bucket list, people.) I eventually decided that I would take a nap. Isn't that sad? Of all the things that I could do, I would take a nap. If that is not proof that people are slowly crumbling away from worries and even fear of failure, I do not know what is.
While I was in that stage between being asleep and awake last night, I was panicking about a math quiz. I decided to listen to Hillsong to calm myself. I was soon covered in chills and praying silently. It made me think of this passage from Luke 2:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Like us, the shepherds had a lot to worry about. They were responsible for keeping the sheep safe from wild animals and many other things. I can imagine them that night; they were probably half asleep like a teenager in math class when this huge blinding light hit them and they were freaking out and all that was said was "Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid.
I let that phrase sink in. In this busy time of year when all we can think about is the next thing on our calendars, God is reminding us to be still. Instead of tearing ourselves apart because of deadlines, cooking, shopping, and whatever else may nagging at our minds, we need to remember that life is a beautiful gift, good times are coming, and God is with us. Do not be afraid. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment