And God Laughed

Isn't it interesting how our plans go up in smoke even when our plans were so foolproof?

It's as if the things we pray for are only allowed when it's convenient; heaven forbid they aren't accomplished the way WE think they should be!

Lately there have been many changes in my life. Changes that I'm sure I prayed for somewhere along the line.

And I have the choice to go along with these changes or fight them every step of the way.

Either way the changes WILL be made.

Over time I've come to realize that disagreeing with God is common. But in the end, He's going to win. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

In the back of my mind I often hear this response when I hear of someone's ambitious plans or have plans of my own:

"And God laughed..."

Not AT us but more in love as He knows our tendency to plot and plan our own way. He knows what is best; He sees the big picture and how we have to go through some tough stuff to get to where we're supposed to be next.

"And God laughed..." in delight at our sincere desire to minister and do things for Him.

"And God laughed..." at how foolishly we behave when we think things are going horribly wrong when really they're going very right.

So in the midst of your thwarted plans and deep anxiety over situations in your life, remember there is a God that is so able to do what He says He will do that He can laugh.

Even when we can't.

Learning to Be Satisfied

So how's everyone doing? I hope you are pacing yourselves and enjoying the process of Christmas.

I think it's interesting to watch people shop at the last minute. After a while they're frantically throwing just about anything into their cart for a stocking stuffer. Random comments such as, "I know Loretta likes...towels. Yeah, towels. So I bet she'd like this orange one on sale from Halloween." Moms and Dads are threatening their exhausted kids that Santa won't visit them if they don't behave.

People are losing their perspective as panic sets in.

I'm aware of an anxiety that's rising within me; I'm conflicted and confused but the reason may not be what you think. (Those of you who know me are thinking, "What? She's ALWAYS confused!").

Hear me out.

I'm struggling with the realization I have to learn to be satisfied.

Not satisfaction with what I want or may receive as a gift. Like most of us I have plenty and then some.

My discomfort comes from the fact that I have to be satisfied with the amount of gifts I GIVE to the family members and other folks I love.

Isn't it true? How do we express how we truly feel about our loved ones? I know for myself, mere words can't express the depth of love and appreciation I feel for the people in my life.

The only way we know of is to give gifts. Lots of gifts. Too many gifts. The bigger the better.

But then even after the giving and the thank you's we follow up with,

"Did you really like it? Huh? Huh? Did you? You're not just saying that, are you?"

So here's where the challenge is:

Accept that you can't give someone a gift equal to their personal value. You just can't. I know I've tried and maxed out credit cards in the past in my effort to 'get it right this year.'

Instead, determine that you're going to show your dear ones all year long how you feel about them. Don't save up all the good stuff till the end of the year, dump it in their laps and expect them to read your mind and your heart.

You will always be unhappy the next time you see that item laying unused in their room/house. You will equate your value with how they treat your gift.

So don't use Christmas items as a symbol for who you are and what you mean to your loved ones. Purchase a simple gift you know they will enjoy and let it go. It's a tough bit of advice I'm having to heed myself.

So as I've been saying all along:

Take a deep breath, repeat indefinitely.

Relax and decide that you're going to be satisfied.