I went home from the office last night and threw myself a small pity party. It seems to happen every Christmas. There’s just too much stuff to do. I don’t seem to be able to really enjoy the season until all the tasks are out of the way – meaning shopping done, gifts wrapped and Christmas Cards mailed. I have a unique cure for my pity parties. I rarely have them but when I feel one coming on I pull a photo album out of my cabinet that I prepared to remind me of my many blessings. It’s an album of photos taken on Appalachia Project mission trips. It contains photos of really run down homes in need of repair; of children and their parents living in poverty. Many of these homes in the coal mining districts of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia lacked indoor plumbing or electricity or both. It’s hard to think about people still living in those conditions. But it is heartwarming to be able to meet these warm-hearted, family-oriented folk and to be able to make a real difference in their lives just for the reason of doing so and not for anything we could receive from them in return except smiles, hugs and gratitude. Being in a position that enables one to help others sometimes can lead to one wondering if people are being nice only because they need what you can offer. I never sensed that on these mission trips. My favorite photo was taken on the ASP center porch one night after a tiring day of home repairs. We’re sitting on rockers after having showered off the roofing tar, sheetrock mud and paint. Painted on a beam overhead are these words, “Be still and know.” Maybe that’s what we need to do now in place of worrying about all the to-do lists. “Be still and know that I am God,” scripture says. Be still.
Dear Lord, help us to remember that Christ came not in the bustle of holiday shopping, parties and special church services. Christ came in the still of the night under a sky filled with the stars of your creation. Quiet our hearts and soul. Help us to be still and receive the gift of your Son, the gift of your unfailing love and unearned grace. Amen.
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