Joy from Carole Brown
It was beyond thinking about for this woman who loves every bit of Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas, for this wife of a minister who gives so much to the church, and especially for this mother who shrank from having no money to buy Christmas gifts for her two young sons.
My husband, pastoring a small church, supplemented his income with carpentry work, which he loved doing. His excellent, particular work made him a favorite with friends and relatives and probably the good prices helped too.
Yet this year, work was skimpy and there just wasn’t enough money to buy Christmas for our boys let alone all the relatives to whom we were expected to give. Our hearts lifted heavenward to a Father who we knew had heard our prayers many times and who understood well enough a parent’s love for his/her children.
The month slid by. No money. As much as I loved Christmas, this year I felt doubt slide into the picture, tempting me to worry, complain, and fret with the situation. “O ye, of little faith!” were Jesus’ strong words to his beloved disciples, and well they could have been aimed at me.
How many times had God come to our rescue? How many times had he come through for our needs, and even our many wants? Yet, as the Israelites of Biblical times did, I doubted.
Of course, I missed shopping on “black Friday.” Yes, I missed weeks of fun and anticipation of buying and wrapping and seeing our sons delighted faces at the packages beneath the tree. But I also missed the peace that comes with perfect trust, the joy of knowing whatever God planned it was his perfect will for us, for me. In spite of that, two weeks before Christmas, a wonderful job was offered.
This year outside work has once again been skimpy. The economy, personal business reasons which hopefully will soon see results, and other factors make this another difficult year in certain ways. Yet somehow the fretting and worrying are not there. Sometimes temptation is lurking --close and real, if I want to take that route. Yet the peace that we are in God’s hands, that all things work together for our good, and that there are options, all make for a peaceful time.
It could be I’m older, perhaps it’s because I’ve learned a thing or two, or because some things don’t matter as much as it used to. But I like to think it’s because God has worked with me, loved me and taught me the real meaning of Christmas. Family and friends, simplicity and love. Those are the things that matter most.
_____________________________
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? Connect with her here:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
She is also part of several other blogs:
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
No comments:
Post a Comment