As I continue to unwrap the gifts from the Great Giver, I am reminded this morning of the ultimate gift that I just keep unwrapping because I don't understand the depth of what He gave. (John 3:16)
Gifts have been small and beautiful over the past month. Time to read, good questions from students, a hug from my husband or my children, the light illuminating a plant in my window,playful 'talks' with my 3 year old, good meals, with family and friends.
Have you noticed that these things are not big? These gifts are small things that warmed my heart, caught my attention, and let me notice the beauty in the everyday things. A small flame that turns to the ultimate gift in Christ. What richness!
This is not to say that life is always good. Sometimes I am amazed and paralyzed by my inadequacies, weaknesses, and attitude. But isn't this the point? When I can only see myself, I need to look around me to see goodness, light, love, and God.
Christmas is a reminder that God is with us. He was born in a barn filled with mud, muck, hay, pigs, and other animals. He reaches down into our messy, mud-filled lives and does His best to get our attention.
The beauty of this that I don't fully grasp is that He has chosen me. Me? My shame and inadequacies as a mother, wife, teacher, lover, friend, writer, cook, and occasionally, an artist, He knows me very well. He changes me. As I count gifts, as I become more and more grateful for life around me. He transforms me. He is filling me with love, light, patience, and grace. He is with me.
Isn't that the point of Christmas? God is with us.
He is with me as I count gifts, struggle with and are blessed by students, interact with my kids, talk to my husband, bake muffins, take walks, and live life! He is with me. Just. Waiting. For. Me. To. Notice. Him. He is here.
He is.