After many good intentions, it's kind of crazy how quickly I allow find myself to slip into the same old patterns this time of year. Allowing my calendar to fill up despite promising not to let that happen. Skipping some of our advent plans because I'm just too tired. Buying the kids just one or two more gifts after I swore last year that the materialism was sickening.
We've had 6 straight days of dreary gray and rainy skies, and I find myself giving in to the stress of the season. I didn't want this! I wanted to finally spend an entire month just worshiping God and being moved by the Christmas story. I wanted to feel that carefree spirit that I had as a child during Christmas. I wanted to model for my kids what it means to truly experience Advent in the most important ways.
But it doesn't always happen that way. And although I never strive for perfection, I do try my hardest to make little improvements year after year. In my spirit, in my attitude, in my attempt to be in the world but not of it.
So I'm gonna keep moving forward. I've got 14 more days to soak in this season and all it's magic and meaning.
The shopping can wait. The work can be set aside. The people-pleasing can be bridled.
Just inching toward Jesus. That's all I want. Even as I close my weary eyes at night... I just want to fall asleep thinking of his mercy and love.
Many of you on Instagram asked for the recipe for this Christmas Bark. Find it here. :)
Linking up with Lauren!
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6 comments:
Inching towards Jesus! Yes!
Amen, girl! Every year trying to make it more about Jesus. I hear ya! It's fantastic to see that you're forgetting, making the changes and sharing it with all of us so we too can be reminded. What a beautiful story it is all alone, without the 'extra' stuff...
I can so relate to this feeling. Wanting my heart to be drawn to Jesus instead of being swept up in just the temporary. I think it will be a struggle for all of us as Christians until Jesus comes again... the tension between "of the world, but not in it". Luckily, there is beautiful grace in this tension.
http://www.domesticblissdiaries.com
I love that: inching toward Jesus! I can so relate to that.
The wonderful thing about this is that God loves us even through our failed attempts. He sees our hearts and loves us the way we are but at the same time woos us to be the complete person He made us to be. Everyday I wake up thankful that the God I love and know doesn't need me to be perfect before he loves me. What a relief!
Linking up after you at Heart and Home - yes, I share your heart's desire - always wanting to live closer and closer to Jesus, even in the midst of a wonderful, and busy Christmas season.
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