faith and family | december 2017

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17
 
The “most wonderful time of the year” can also be the busiest. It’s filled with holiday cooking, shopping for gifts, Christmas cards, parties, traveling, and hosting guests in our homes, all while navigating family dynamics and trying to make it a special time for our little ones. It's a challenge to get everything accomplished without feeling worn out. Many times after Christmas passes, I have realized my focus has been on my task list instead of the true reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus and the ultimate gift of His life.  
 
As we embark on this very full season before us, let’s remember what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” With so much on my mind and plate, the thought of freedom is just what I am craving.
 
This season, I am personally asking the Lord to point my heart to Him and prepare my heart for Christmas as much as I am  preparing my home. I’m seeking the Lord’s guidance in choosing freedom wherever possible.  For me, freedom looks a little bit like online shopping instead of navigating the mall so that I can avoid some extra stress that my family doesn’t need to experience. Freedom looks like making slice and bake cookies with my little ones (with extra sprinkles!) for our Christmas dessert instead of the usual 3 layer gingerbread spiced cake that takes half of a day to make. Freedom looks like choosing an imperfect family photo for our Christmas card and not worrying about it (genuineness trumps perceived perfection any day!). This freedom allows us time and energy to listen to how the Lord is speaking to our hearts and follow through with those things He is calling us to do. 
 
I love this quote from author Rick Warren: “You weren’t put on this planet to mark things off your “To Do” list. God didn’t create you just to do a bunch of activities. God created you so you could know him and love him and he could know and love you back. If you’re not spending time getting to know God, you are missing the number one purpose of your life.”
 
This month, let us choose freedom so that we may be more available to live out God’s purpose for our lives - something that no completed checklist will ever fulfill. 

Amy Mixson, Faith and Family