When I began blogging my progress on the Made to Crave way of life, other doors opened to me which had nothing to do with weigh loss, per se. The common thread with Made to Crave and the other books and materials I've been reading is the simple recognition of Christ as the Supreme Gift in all things. He IS in all things! Simply giving myself to Him daily and asking to be shown His glory brings rewards that can scarcely be put into words.
He has met me right where I am, and He continues to show me how He is working in my life. For one thing, I am more aware. As I continue my walk, I seem to be more in tune with surroundings, situations and people. Part of this I attribute to making my own list of 1,000 gifts as suggested by Ann Voskamp in her book of the same name.
231. Warm chunky applesauce
240. Andrea Bocelli's Christmas music
242. The heavens declare the Glory of God (sunset)
273. Grandson Bailey making toast
278. The ability to sew
279. A regular paycheck
284. "Busy as cranberry merchants" in a note from a friend
292. Even in the tornadic mess called a house, it will be Christmas in 7 days.
293. A reason to give thanks
298. Grandies in Santa hats
The Gift is coming. Tonight and tomorrow we will celebrate His arrival in a cold, unfriendly world once again. This time, I pray that the appearance of the King will spur people "of this world" to become His followers. This time, I pray the words of the shepherds will fall on ears that are ready to HEAR. This time, I hope that the Gift will be accepted and praised for His sacrifice of love.
In my last-minute shopping today I came across an Amish woman who told me that her 10-year old son stated he now knows what Christmas is about: Giving. I remarked that it sounded like he's figured it out. She nodded, smiled and said, "Of course he is also very happy to receive."
Aren't we all happy to receive? Shouldn't we all be thankful beyond words for the Greatest Gift of all?
There is ONE GIFT we can all receive and it is for everyone. Tell somebody about Jesus. Invite them to church. Pick them up if necessary. Give the Gift. Love isn't Love until you give it away.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom
He is pleased. --Luke 2:14
Merry Christmas!
