Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
A Year to Serve
"Serve" was my "one word" of 2015. The word put on my heart to guide me through the year.
As I reflect on the year I am tempted to look at the months and days and ask whether or not I was "successful" in "accomplishing" my one word. If I look at it through this lens I am tempted to say that I failed. Just as my sister-in-law who inspired this word claimed at the end of last year, "I'm not very good at it." I didn't become a missionary or give away all my belongings; I didn't take on a position at the church or adopt a child in need; I didn't wash anyone's feet.
On the other hand, God isn't in the business of condemnation, so I know my perspective must be wrong. Instead of asking what I accomplished -- as if "serving" is a task to check off my daily to-do list -- what if I asked, "Did I try?" and "Have I grown?" In other words, what if "to serve" is a journey of becoming, a language rather than an act.
The answer to that is a definite "yes." I've learned to look at the world through the lens of serving. I'm able to recognize more readily when I'm thinking more of myself than others. I have loved my husband more and better this year than the previous one. I have been more intentional about living according to my priorities, putting God first in all things, from my daily routines to my writing to my heart.
If you too are focusing on the places you failed last year, I challenge you to change your perspective. Remember that life is a journey and while we'll never achieve perfection, our willingness to try is what makes us a success.
Thank you for walking alongside me in this year to serve. As we enter the new year, I'll leave you with this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he says that at the end of his life he doesn't want people to say that he achieved anything, but that he tried:
As I reflect on the year I am tempted to look at the months and days and ask whether or not I was "successful" in "accomplishing" my one word. If I look at it through this lens I am tempted to say that I failed. Just as my sister-in-law who inspired this word claimed at the end of last year, "I'm not very good at it." I didn't become a missionary or give away all my belongings; I didn't take on a position at the church or adopt a child in need; I didn't wash anyone's feet.
On the other hand, God isn't in the business of condemnation, so I know my perspective must be wrong. Instead of asking what I accomplished -- as if "serving" is a task to check off my daily to-do list -- what if I asked, "Did I try?" and "Have I grown?" In other words, what if "to serve" is a journey of becoming, a language rather than an act.
The answer to that is a definite "yes." I've learned to look at the world through the lens of serving. I'm able to recognize more readily when I'm thinking more of myself than others. I have loved my husband more and better this year than the previous one. I have been more intentional about living according to my priorities, putting God first in all things, from my daily routines to my writing to my heart.
If you too are focusing on the places you failed last year, I challenge you to change your perspective. Remember that life is a journey and while we'll never achieve perfection, our willingness to try is what makes us a success.
Thank you for walking alongside me in this year to serve. As we enter the new year, I'll leave you with this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he says that at the end of his life he doesn't want people to say that he achieved anything, but that he tried:
If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. Every now and then I wonder what I want them to say…I’d like somebody to mention that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day, that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say, on that day, that I did try, in my life, to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.
Friday, December 25, 2015
25 Prayers of Christmas, Day 25
I pray that each and every one of you had a safe and happy Christmas. That you were able to be with your loved ones, even if just in spirit. That you had a moment where you were overwhelmed with a sense of being blessed, knowing that God sent his son to earth this day to be born in a manger for you, in a simple and humble manner so that we would know that his love was not just for the wealthy or the elite, but for each and every one of us. Wherever we are, wherever we've been, wherever we are going, he knew it all before we ever did, and he still chose us. That is the greatest blessing of all and my prayer is that you know it for yourself.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
25 Prayers of Christmas, Day 24
Randy and I slept until 11 am Mountain time today. After a full day with the kids followed by a 12-hour road trip, we were ready for a long winters nap.
My prayer today is that everyone would find time to take a real rest. To hibernate as nature intended. To savor the season that wants us to slow down, and enjoy every moment. To recognize that you can still enjoy a moment that you are sleeping through.
With love from snowy Idaho!
25 Prayers of Christmas, Day 23
As we were leaving for our road trip to Idaho today, Randy asked me: "What do we want from this trip?"
He has been asking me some variation of this question ever since we met: what is a word/thought/hope/prayer for today?
I love this question because it speaks to the truth that, while we can't always control what happens during the day, we can choose how we are going to respond to what happens during our day.
We can decide in advance that we are going to be commpassionate, patient, appreciative, annoyed, frustrated... we can decide in advance that even though everything won't be perfect we will see it as such because we'll be together.
So whether you are taking a road trip for Christmas or cramming into a house full of in laws, choose now what your attitude will be for the day.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
25 Days of Christmas, Day 22
We just had the most wonderful Christmas celebration at our house!
Randy and I have had such a crazy busy month, from my 15 writing deadlines and his 15 holiday parties to cater, we've hardly had time to think about Christmas, let alone put gifts under the tree. But we wanted to have all the kids and grandkids over to our house before our Christmas road trip and today was the day we decided on.
You should have seen us this morning! Him running one way, me running the other, and eventually us running together. From wrapping gifts for each other to take with us when we leave town tomorrow, to wrapping presents for the grandkids, to filling pantyhose full of practical gifts for his kids (everything from toiletries to their favorite snacks -- I love this tradition of his!), to filling the kitchen with clam chowder and bread bowls, chili, spinach dip, cookies, cookies, and more cookies!
But the most wonderful thing happened. As soon as all the kids walked into the house, we sat down and all the fussing stopped. It didn't matter that there was still a list a mile long that didn't get completed. None of that was as important as the people who filled the room.
We ate, we played games, we strung popcorn and cranberries on the tree, we walked the dogs, we watched a movie while eating (again!) and playing more games, we opened presents, we talked, we laughed, we popped crackers, and we sent the kids all home with leftovers. And the only complaint was that we couldn't squeeze in even more!
My prayer is that each one of you will be able to "stop" once your family is all together for the holidays. Stop worrying. Stop running. Stop wrapping. Stop cooking. Stop cleaning. Stop checking your phone. Stop everything and focus on the people in front of you. Because they are truly what make the holidays so blessed!
(We were so focused on enjoying one another today that we didn't even get a photo of the whole family. Maybe next year!)
Randy and I have had such a crazy busy month, from my 15 writing deadlines and his 15 holiday parties to cater, we've hardly had time to think about Christmas, let alone put gifts under the tree. But we wanted to have all the kids and grandkids over to our house before our Christmas road trip and today was the day we decided on.
You should have seen us this morning! Him running one way, me running the other, and eventually us running together. From wrapping gifts for each other to take with us when we leave town tomorrow, to wrapping presents for the grandkids, to filling pantyhose full of practical gifts for his kids (everything from toiletries to their favorite snacks -- I love this tradition of his!), to filling the kitchen with clam chowder and bread bowls, chili, spinach dip, cookies, cookies, and more cookies!
But the most wonderful thing happened. As soon as all the kids walked into the house, we sat down and all the fussing stopped. It didn't matter that there was still a list a mile long that didn't get completed. None of that was as important as the people who filled the room.
We ate, we played games, we strung popcorn and cranberries on the tree, we walked the dogs, we watched a movie while eating (again!) and playing more games, we opened presents, we talked, we laughed, we popped crackers, and we sent the kids all home with leftovers. And the only complaint was that we couldn't squeeze in even more!
My prayer is that each one of you will be able to "stop" once your family is all together for the holidays. Stop worrying. Stop running. Stop wrapping. Stop cooking. Stop cleaning. Stop checking your phone. Stop everything and focus on the people in front of you. Because they are truly what make the holidays so blessed!
(We were so focused on enjoying one another today that we didn't even get a photo of the whole family. Maybe next year!)
Monday, December 21, 2015
25 Prayers of Christmas, Day 21
Randy and I went to our church's Christmas program tonight. Between the earth harp, the star made out of drum heads, the sermon, the decorations and the seating arrangements, a TON of work went into making tonight happen.
My prayer is for all the churches, all the pastors, all the choirs and pageant participants and volunteers who have Christmas programs yet this week, that they would feel the presence of God in all their hard work and know that it is appreciated by all who come to celebrate the birth of our Lord.
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