reflections

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.... 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Phillippians 4:6-7, 12-13

Being the unusual, trying season it is i'm leaving my CHRISTmas tree up until the sight of it stops filling me with a magical sense of peace. While enjoying some quiet time near the tree this week, i noticed an interesting scene. 

The sparkle of the CHIRSTmas tree lights glimmered from a place other than the tree. The tree lights reflecting in a picture frame were beautiful!  In that moment the sadness from limited family gatherings diminished in the cheeriness of the CHRISTmas lights... causing my joy of the present moment to overflow. 

This year especially have you also found yourself yearning for the joyous celebrations of past? Looking back at clips of past memories can quickly stir up mixed emotions of the good old days. 

Yet, when i truthfully reflect on the "good old days", i remember they too were filled with challenges and issues that i anxiously wanted resolved.  So, i wonder, in 2 or 5 years when i reflect back on these current circumstances, will i yearn for these  good old days?  Is is possible the good old days are always before us but we are blind to them pining for something better?

The lesson i feel God is striving to infuse in my soul is to embrace the moment... this moment.  No matter the circumstance, make the present our best possible moment.  None of us know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow. And all our days are in His Hands. Praying JOY in your morning as you find comfort, strength and peace in Him.  May we live today as the present it is from Him and with Him.  Thank you, Father, for this day; i am thankful for the gift of today from You.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal