Christmas Abroad

Experiencing the Christmas season away from KC, as well as in another culture, makes me think on some of the things in my life I take for granted.  Of course there are the inconsequential things such as hearing “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” multiple times on the radio, the abundance of Christmas lights as you drive down the street, and the ease of specifically finding everything you might possibly need for holiday baking…and in one place even.  J

Then there are the greater things such as being pointed to Jesus more often during the Advent season, spending lazy mornings and sharing laughter with my family, and waiting to hear from the Lord with some of my best friends – and thousands of others believers – at One Thing on my birthday.   

     

Being in Spain for Christmas has been awesome though.  Two of my good friends from college, whom God used to give me a heart for Spain, returned to their homes in Barcelona and Zaragoza and invited me to be a part of their families.  I’ve walked a lot, strolled along the beach at dusk, visited Cathedrals, laughed, shared conversation, shopped, relaxed, eaten lots of Spanish food (seafood especially), continued to work towards fluency, and taken pics with friends. 

The Lord has truly blessed me, and the memories that are being made now and the experiences being encountered will not soon be forgotten.      

Our Omniscient God

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord is omniscient – He knows everything. 

Of course I’m sure there are times when, in the moment, I would prefer He didn’t know my thoughts.  The first six verses of Psalm 139 bring comfort though:

                “O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

                You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

                                you discern my thoughts from afar.

                You search out my path and my lying down

                                and are acquainted with all my ways.

                Even before a word is on my tongue,

                                behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

                You hem me in, behind and before,

                                and lay your hand upon me.

                Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

                                it is high; I cannot attain it.”

God knows us more intimately than any person ever could, both the good and the bad, and He cares for us.  The Bible has so many verses that point us to the Lord in our need, to run to Him despite our screw-ups, to lay our anxieties at His feet, pleas to trust in Him.  He cares for us!!!  He sees all, and in fact, He orders our steps.  How great to know that even when we choose to run from Him, or when we seek comfort and strength in things outside of Him, He continues to pursue us. 

Last week I was pretty exhausted and emotionally dry, feeling like I had nothing to give to the Lord.  For me this was probably a blessing in disguise, because I tend to lean towards performance, what I can do for the Lord.  What He really wants is for us to delight in Him – to rest in Him – so that He can work through us and receive the glory.  I told more than one person that I didn’t know what I needed, but I was at the end of my strength. 

The Lord is so good, and He knows exactly what we need!  This weekend was a Puente, or long weekend, and right now I feel completely refreshed.  The Lord blessed me with much needed time with good friends, being able to cook and bake, finding a coat, live outdoor music, and sleep.  Also the Christmas lights in the city turned on, many kiosks are now full of Christmas goodies, and I found American-type mugs.  This is going to sound pretty ridiculous, but there is something about a good, thick mug with decent hot tea that has brightened my outlook and brought smiles to my face.    

How great the Father’s love for us.  He knows us the best and wants to pour out His blessings.  

Reflection

There are times where I sit back, metaphorically speaking, and reflect on the intricacy of the human mind.  The Lord created beings who have so many abilities, and I don’t believe those will ever be recognized fully. 

On Tuesday morning, the kids and I went to a store to buy some craft materials to make Christmas ornaments (I was trying to think like my mom).  While we were working on the ornaments, I decided to put on the Charlie Brown Christmas music.  The thought behind this was: I want this memory to be connected with this soundtrack. 

How incredible.  I know that when I hear certain songs, artists, etc., I am carried back to memories.  These aren’t just cut-and-dry memories though – with them come emotions, desires, regrets, contemplations.  What awe at the thought of the depth that can come through the faint tones of an intro, the riffs of a guitar, the harmonies of a voice. 

I believe this is a blessing, especially in my life right now, and a constant reminder to reflect.  Often songs will take me back to places and times I have not remembered for quite awhile.  The Lord can meet us in those moments – in taking the time out to reflect – and teach us not only about ourselves, but about who He is. 

It seems that memories can take a new importance, when looking from the viewpoint that the Lord even redeems us through our past – good or bad – by showing us the person of Jesus and making us to look more like Him. 

In those moments of joy or sadness, laughter or tears, confidence or regret, love or rejection, fondness or hate – let us look straight into the eyes of Christ.  It is there that change happens, identity is restored, and the most authentic love is realized.   

Thread that Runs through History

My history teacher in junior high used to have a quote on his door that said something about “a thread that runs through history,” and although I can’t remember exactly what it was, I thought about it tonight.  I believe it was in relation to God being the constant that is a part of all stages of history.

I met several friends tonight from the states who have come here for a few months, and it hit me that the Lord has orchestrated so many things to bring us all here. 

In my life alone He has given desires, changed them, broken barriers, helped me give up some control, blessed me with Spanish friends, and just loved me.  He loves me enough to work out all things in my life for His good (Romans 8:28).  He is committed to making me more into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. 

I’m seeing this a little more literally now than solely in a figurative manner.  Even when it’s tough, I know I’m inside of His plan for my life at this moment.  He is the constant.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  He is the one who makes all of this worth it.