Loosening My Grasp

I'm convinced that my 1-year old son is equipped with a "small forbidden item radar". He is singularly talented at discovering any small object that has inadvertantly been left within his reach. Once one of these small treasures are within his grasp, he grips it tightly, checks to see where I am in the room, and slowly brings it to his mouth. When I hold out my hand and tell him to "bring it to Mama", he will smile and obligingly begin to toddle in my direction. I think his smile is not so much about the fact that he has been acknowledged, as it is about the anticipation of the devilish plot he has in store, and his glee that Mom has fallen into his trap once again. Inevitably, just as he reaches the point where the tips of my fingers can almost brush against his hand, a giggle escapes as he makes a sharp 90 degree turn and begins to run the other direction as fast as his stubby little legs will go. That is my cue to begin the chase. Much to his surprise and dismay, I catch him each time, and each time, we then begin the process of extracting the small treasure from his fist. He struggles against me and grips ever tighter as I slowly pry his little fingers from around the forbidden object. His giggles often turn to angry shrieks as he realizes he is unable to hang on to his prize. All is quickly soothed, however, with a warm hug and the replacement of the potentially harmful item with a toy that is safe for small hands and mouths.

God has lately been using that oft-repeated scene as an object lesson in my own spiritual life. There are areas in my life where I realize I have resisted giving God complete control. My little fingers are gripped tightly around the treasured prize, and I fight to maintain my control over it. I hear his voice telling me to give it to Him, and something within longs to comply. I smile, and start in His direction, holding my life out to Him. Just as I begin to feel the brush of change, however, I quickly turn and run in the other direction as fast as I can manage.

I recently read A.W. Tozer's article, written just before his death in 1963, entitled "The Waning Authority of Christ in the Churches". In it, Tozer compares the position of Christ within most churches with that of a constitutional monarchy, where the royal family is revered and held as a rallying point, but any real policy making is done by others. Sadly, I think that comparison is as valid today as it was when it was written. It is not just a malady suffered by the corporate church body. Rather, I believe that we each can point to such an affliction to one degree or another in our own lives.

In my life, is God king - an absolute monarch, or is He but a royal figurehead? Do I yield to His leading in all areas of my life, or are there some areas where I insist on retaining control? Am I looking for God's leading in the handling of my finances? What hold greater weight when making spending or investment decisions? The advice of financial analysts or the leading of the Holy Spirit (provided I'm even listening for His leading at all?) When faced with an opportunity to witness at work, do I follow God's leading, or do I silence the urge with thoughts of what speaking out would do to my reputation or standing at work? Does prayer even enter the equation when deciding what endeavours to which I will commit my time? Is He Lord of all areas of my life, or only those in which I feel comfortable turning over to Him?

These are the thoughts I find myself pondering as I examine my life. Giving up control in some areas is not easy. I sense it will be the hardest thing I will ever have to do, and I'm tempted to shriek with fear and anger at the thought. Yet I know that the rewards will be immeasurable. I don't have the strength to let go on my own. The only thing I can do is to raise my fist to God and allow him to loosen my grasp - finger by finger, if need be.

A Dose Of Christmas Spirit

Friday night, my husband and I went to see the new movie, "The Nativity Story". It was the best Biblically based movie I have seen in ages! The screenplay (written by Portland's own Mike Rich) was faithful to the Biblical account, and the movie was high-quality and very enjoyable. This will definitely be a must own DVD when it comes out.

As many times as I have heard the story of Christ's birth, I was emotionally moved as I watched Mary hold him there in the stable and the shepherds and wise men make their way to see this Blessed Gift from God. I was once again humbled to think of the great sacrifice that God made out of His love for us and desire to provide a way for us to live in relationship with Him.

The entire movie experience was a much-needed reminder of the true meaning of Christmas amidst the scurry of shopping and preparations that come with the season. This was a message that I think God wanted to make sure I had firmly rooted in my brain this year. When I later read the devotional reading from Our Daily Bread, the entry for Friday, December 1 was a perfect complement to the movie I had just seen.

If you haven't read the devotional for that day yet, I highly recommend that you read it. The subject is "Christmas Spirit". In it, the author, Dennis De Haan, reminds us that the Christmas Spirit is not defined by tinkling bells, the sound of Christmas carols, or a good feeling. The true spirit of Christmas is humility. It is the humility that Christ demonstrated when He came to us in the form of a tiny baby and walked among His creation. (Philippians 2:5-8) The version of Our Daily Bread that I receive from ChristianCourses.com contains an additional "Insight" section for the day's scripture reading. I thought this one was particularly appropriate:

Philippians 2:5-11 describes "the kenosis theory." This key theological concept comes from the Greek word kenoo, translated "made Himself of no reputation" (v. 7), or "emptied Himself" (KJV). It refers to the commitment Christ expressed in coming to the earth. He set aside ("emptied Himself of") His divine right to choose and submitted fully to the purpose and will of His heavenly Father. This great humility is the centerpiece of the "mind of Christ" (v. 5) that Paul challenges us to emulate.

To have this mindset of Christ - where we have emptied ourselves of any right we think we have to choose for ourselves and to instead live in full submission to the will of God - that is the true Christmas Spirit.

And the greatest thing of all? Christmas Spirit of this kind doesn't end when the needles fall off the Christmas tree. It can be had year-round!

The Messiest House in America

Last night I discovered this website: Clean House Search for the Messiest Home

I was all set to email the link to my husband, telling him that I had finally found a contest I knew we could win - hands down!

Then I started watching some of the videos - and decided (with a bit of relief) that we don't stand a chance.

If you are housekeeping challenged as I am, take a look at some of these videos. Some may encourage you (see, our house isn't that bad!) and others may inspire you (Look where we're headed if we don't do something about this now!!!)

Oh - and while we're on the subject, there are some great tips at The Container Store, including tips on gift wrapping and more!