Tuesday, December 7, 2010

amidst the hustle and bustle

The end of November and the beginning of December seem to be just going by at the speed of light.  It's been a flurry of activity here at our house.  From basketball games to holiday preparations, our days have been full.  When I look at the calendar I can't believe how close it is to Christmas.  I want to slam on the breaks and slow things down, but I know that realistically that can't happen. 

I was reading in my quiet time this morning about the importance of tending to the inner fire - of making sure that the important doesn't get lost in the urgent.  This is a season of 'preparing Him room'.   This is the season of 'Immanuel, God with us'.  But sadly for me, too many days go by where I've 'prepared my room and asked God to keep up with me'.  Christmas will come and go and I don't want to have missed tending to the most important things.  I don't want to be the innkeeper with the inn that's too full to allow the Messiah residence. 
 "To prepare Him room is to make time to enter the stillness, to embrace the quiet, to listen for that 'still, small voice'."*  I'm purposing to set aside some time each day to be still.  To reflect and listen and pour over that which really matters.  I want to intentionally seek the Messiah during this season just as the wise men did long ago.  My quiet time each day will be those moments when the activity stills and I turn my heart and focus on the greatest Gift that was given. 
 I encourage you to find time each day to tend the inner fire as well, so that when this holiday season is over you and I won't have spent our earnings on trinkets and baubles, but on eternal treasures that carry into the next year..

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
and the government will be upon His shoulder. 
His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

*Christ, the Light of the World - A Devotional by Thomas Kinkade 

20 comments:

Meg said...

What beautiful sentiments, and you are so right to try to be more intentional during this season of sometimes just plain craziness.

I also want to know how you got the first shot of the tree lights--I ran out my batteries last night trying to get a similar shot! Again, maybe I need to re-prioritize!

Kristyn Knits said...

We're in the unhurried life chapter of our Wednesday night book. Yesterday I was hit square in the face with the reality that I need to slow down and ENJOY all the blessings of this season. Thanks for another encouragement of that fact.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Very beautifully said. It's so hard to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for the reminder!

Tonya Gunn said...

Oh, thank you for this reminder... it is so important to be quiet and listen to God and to just be...
especially in this busy, busy time.
Warm wishes and blessings,
Tonya

The WoodLand School said...

I *love* your holiday banner! Thanks for the inspiring images ... and the much-needed reminder to slow down and enjoy. Happy holidays to everyone in your home!

Debi said...

Lovely post and very timely... thanks.

Stephanie said...

What an encouraging post, very well said! And yes, the time is flying by way too fast this month.

Christina said...

Thank you. Just what I needed to hear in the middle of holiday vacation craziness.

Anonymous said...

So very true! Thanks for the timely reminder. I like the image of the "inner fire". I was recently imagining that I'm a bowl carrying a flame - trying to go a bit more slowly and mindfully so that it doesn't tip and go out!

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

You've captured the spirit of the season for sure. It's just too easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle.

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

Yolanda said...

I so agree with you on this post and such lovely christmas decor you have.

Tracy said...

BEAUTIFULLY expressed, Lisa! Thank your for this very timely reminder. Last night I was feeling somewhat discouraged that time seems to be running out, and I'm not getting enough done for Christmas. This morning I took time for yoga and meditation, and that has helped clear the down talk in my mind and refocus! :o) LOVE that photo at the top here... I just says the magic of Christmas! Happy Days ((HUGS))

Designs on 47th Street said...

Lisa, I love this post. You spoke words that most of us know but don't always abide by. Yes, Jesus IS the reason for the season and quiet time amongst the crazy times is just what we need. Thank you for your inspiring words this morning.

Donna

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! My goal this past year has been to truly SEEK HIS FACE and I have committed to waking up extra early to do just that every day. What a precious time this has turned out to be and if anything comes between that time and me, my day just isn't the same~ I missed time with My LORD!

Jesus is the only reason for this season or LIFE everyday! Thank you~Jan

Heather said...

Beautiful words Lisa, and a great reminder of what this season is for. There is so much renewal and hope, joy and faith in this time of year, and it is meant as a way to celebrate and revive those emotions that need to sustain us for the rest of the year. Thank you for sharing the beauty in your home.

Gloria said...

Very beautiful post!
This Christmas season is flying by...way too fast! Your words here are a wonderful reminder to take time to spend precious quiet moments with God. Those moments help us to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas! Thanks!
Love your photos and new banner. Very sweet!

Larissa said...

Yes! You are so very right and you say it so beautifully. I am trying to do the same re all the 'trinkets and baubles'. This year Hanukkah was truly about lighting candles while reciting our prayers and playing as we watched the candles burn - I explained to my kiddos that they needed very little and on four nights they received just one board game or lego set to share. We played together as a family, had fun and no one complained that they didn't get their own gift. However if you're still in need of a wonderful game to gift we are loving playing In a Pickle (still a hit after a week of playing)

Enjoy this very special holiday season - i know that you have all your priorities in order and are instilling them onto your kiddos.

Gigi said...

What a wonderfully thoughtful and meaningful post. Thank you so much for taking time from your busy days to share your thoughts with us!
Heartfelt blessings to you & yours,
GG

Anonymous said...

beautiful thoughts, very well expressed.