Our family just came back from an early Christmas present. We traveled to Pittsburgh this weekend to enjoy a few days with family and friends, watched the Steelers beat the Bengals at Heinz Field, and returned on Monday to finish up everything for the holidays. One of the things that made this trip so unique was that it was a "first time" moment for all of us. We took it all in. We walked around the stadium, ate at Primanti Brothers & Jerome Bettis' Grille 36, enjoyed the game, and made a lot of memories.
After this weekend, I was reminded of a quote from "The Shack" when Papa told Mack that "life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship." Think about those words for a moment. I think we can all agree that life takes a bit of time. How many of us are very different now than when we were 18 years old? At least...I hope we are different. Time does a lot of things for us. It allows us to grow and mature. It teaches us how to be patient, set goals, and also to enjoy every moment. Time is one of the most precious things we have. The second part of the statement made by Papa is one that we need to pay careful attention to as well. Life not only takes a little bit of time BUT it also takes a lot of relationship. Whether we talk about a relationship with God, with our spouses and/or children, or our relationships with families/friends; each of these relationships can shape who we are and what we become. The longer we live and the more relationships that we enjoy, the better life can become.
Thankfully, life doesn't require us to pack up in a vehicle to drive several hours down the road for us to get the most out of it. Life needs to be lived every day to the fullest, lived in such a way where we are all in. I think one of the greatest challenges we face is simply going through the motions. It happens all the time. We go through the motions at work, at home, and even at play. Our minds and hearts can be elsewhere. And in the midst of it all we miss out on the joy of right now.
I see people do this all the time in spiritual circles. They get so fixated on the future and believe that getting to heaven is the goal. My dear friends, Jesus is the reward, and you can enjoy Him every day. When He was upon the earth, He told us that He came to give life and to give it more abundantly. He isn't interested in you wasting your life, or missing out on the wonder of it all. No...He wants to give you more of it. Then that abundant life can be given by you every day, in every relationship, and in every situation.
What does this have to do with Christmas? Nothing really. I just start thinking this way around this time of year because I'm reminded of some very important moments in my life. December 18th marked 22 years as a follower of Jesus. That's right folks, 1991 was my first Christmas with my eyes opened to the reality of why Jesus came. This Christmas also reminds me that 19 years ago I asked a beautiful young lady to marry me - she said "Yes" - and my world has never been the same. So you see that this time of year holds a lot of sentimental value to me and it has nothing to do with presents under a tree or a guy in a red suit. This time of year reminds me that life takes a little bit of time and a lot of relationship.
I hope that you will allow this Christmas to take on a lot of new meaning for you as well. Appreciate the people around you. Love them fully. Be "in" every home, every event, and every conversation that you can be. You don't have to hold anything back because God has held nothing back from us. Take away the stress of trying to make everything perfect. Simply enjoy your family, love God, and appreciate the journey.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. ~ Isaiah 9:6-7
Merry Christmas Everyone!!! I hope to be back before New Years.
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