falling apart...

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:71

It was a great recycling plan, then the unexpected happened.  The Halloween pumpkins, transformed into turkeys and finally into Snow Santas. 

But my well-laid plan fell apart.  Due to circumstances beyond my control, frigid temperatures, sleet and rain, the snow Santas cracked, peeled and deteriorated.  I was crushed. My first instinct was to trash them, but then i decided to keep them as a reminder... life is not perfect, even at CHRISTmas. And that shouldn't change my grateful heart.

Father, each year i anticipate CHRISTmas with a joyful heart.  Some years all my wishes and plans are fulfilled and my heart overflows.  Yet, my greatest test of strength and faith occur in the years when unexpected events and heartaches threaten to chock the joy right out of me.  It's then i must stop and recall the initial reason for my Joy... it's not the gifts, gathering with friends or even family -- it's Jesus.  

Whether i'm experiencing easy joy or bittersweet joy, i am aware of my need for a Savior.  Getting through jolly times are easy, but getting through difficult times are powerful as i acknowledge how desperately i need You. So, today Father, i want to thank you for easy days, but more importantly, for difficult days because it's then i am keenly aware of Your Breath and Hand in my life. Whatever the day brings, as long as You are in it, there will be joy.  Thank You, for Jesus. Thank You, for eternal Joy and life because of Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal