Walking through the snowy park this morning taking a break from my brisk morning run clothed within three layers of running attire I wondered how I should plan my day. What I had planned for the day fell through so I have a free day so to speak to do some life giving activities. I have a pot of tea steeping, a candle lit on the dining room table, instrumental Christmas music playing and a picturesque view of falling snow. What a perfect setting to do some reflective writing. If you happen to pass our home and looked into the window of this pastor's family what would you see? On a weeknight evening we would be gathered around the table to share supper together. After a few bites hunger is sustained and words begin to flow. Highlights and lowlights are shared. Topics of discussion include how teachers and students are feeling the pressure of completing tasks before Christmas break, how a friendly teacher greets two athletes running steps after school, favorite new music groups and how we discovered them, etc. This is just a portion of the discussion from last night. Most evening meals are not rushed. If you look beyond the dining room you can see into the kitchen. The kitchen has become my sanctuary. The place where I encounter God and sense how He makes each moment of our day holy by His presence. You see in this humble kitchen I have the opportunity and priviledge to make life giving meals for my family that nurtures them. I may not get up to share the message on Sunday morning but I can create meals that empower the preacher to be all he needs to be. I can make a simple casseorole that we take time to eat together fostering conversation. It has only be within the last year that I have have discovered this truth of how much God loves us because we are His and His beautiful uniquely gifted creation. I can be tempted to look out my window and compare myself to you just as you might look into my window and compare yourself to me. If you look into the window of my heart you will see that I, at times, feel less valuable because I currently do not work outside the home. Am I not as smart, less talented, not as vauled? I will underplay my joy in cooking, baking, homemaking, and parenting because I feel it is not the in thing or is not as important as what others may do. It is amazing how we establish our value in what we do and in what we have. But, we have been given different talents and gifts to be used in different seasons of our life. God wants us to use our talents to bring Him glory not to impress others. Nor does God want us to hide our gifts. The many facets of His love shines brightly and gives hope to others when we together use the talents we have been given. In this season of Christmas I am reminded of the movie, It is a Wonderful Life. If you look into our window on Christmas Eve you will not see us because we are in the basement in our family room watching this movie together. It is a excellent example of how much one life can impact so many others. Know your life has value and God has given you talents to use. Use those talents and shine brightly for Him. Merry Christmas! Love, Becky
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AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
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