MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
❤
Contemplating The Inconceivable
This is one of my favourite Christmas songs.
I’ve loved it since I first heard it many years ago.
Lately I’ve noticed that it gets some criticism, which I don’t believe is warranted – accusations that it treats Mary as ignorant, or that the writers must have never read the Bible…
Let’s face it – of course she knew!
She was told of what was to come by an angel; that word was confirmed by Elizabeth. She was inspired to sing a prophetic song of what God was doing, and then received further prophecy from Simeon and Anna!
Mary was far from ignorant, and she thought deeply.
If the intent of the song were to mock Mary for her perceived ignorance, then I could understand the criticisms. I have never heard it that way. To me, it seems like someone in awe of the unfolding magnificence of the story, asking Mary how it was possible to conceive of such a truth. It invites us to really enter the story, and marvel. There’s a line that says, “When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God”…and – I just don’t know what to do with that! Every time I hear it, it feels new and amazing – God in flesh, helpless and vulnerable, in the arms of a young first time mother. Surrounded by animals and shepherds, tired and hungry and probably a bit bewildered.
All for us.
A song not born from a lack of Bible reading.
Just a writer (and listener) struggling to really take in all of the good news!
Looking To The Glory Realms
Still haven’t put the tree up.
Still have presents to buy and food to sort.
… but still able to have another look at what it’s really all about.
Where Beauty Began
Lately I have been reminded
of the artistry woven into the fabric of life,
the tapestry of existence on Earth.
The delight in the small things,
tiny details,
discoveries for every moment of our days.
I have been reminded
that we are created
by a Creator
to be creative –
each of us having a part to play
(and all our pieces are needed for the full picture!)
We can bring our unique gifts
to help hold back the darkness,
and uncover the Light.
All of us
artists,
born for community,
to navigate the hard times together,
and together, to rest.
Lifting The Heavy
There’s been some beautiful heavy rain today. It’s made it easier to do the housework that’s needed doing – cooler days make the heavy work bearable.
The end of the school year means doing the more in depth cleaning that doesn’t get done so regularly (although much more often than once a year!) At least I can use the conversion chart that came with my virtual races to add some more distance to my challenges… the housework I’ve done today converts to around 10km. This gives me a sense of achievement, but I can also say that I felt every one of those kilometres!
Sweet Bean is embarking on his new adult life. Today was spent changing various accounts over to their adult versions, and was also the day to start applying for jobs. It won’t be too long before I have to start doing that as well, but I have a couple of weeks yet.
Everything is new and fresh, for the moment.
That sense of accomplishment is satisfying. Unfortunately, there is always more to do…
I shall bask in satisfaction until then, and enjoy my soundtrack for today!
😀
Thoughts And Prayers…
…and kindness displayed.
I was going to do a photo post today on spring (such as it is!).
This morning there was an unexpected earthquake in Victoria, and of course there are various disasters, natural and man–made, across the Earth right now. In everyday life it feels like people are biting and snapping at each other lately.
Some days are heavier than others.
These days I hesitate to say that my thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering and weary, with those who need help. It’s a phrase that has often been used as a way of distancing ourselves from actually doing something – of sounding pious and compassionate without having to prove otherwise that we are.
It’s unfortunate that the words evoke those meanings in people. I will continue to send my “thoughts and prayers” for those in need, because I truly believe that bringing those needs before a loving, compassionate, kind God is a powerful first step to healing and renewal.
But…it’s still a first step!
I do acknowledge that some of us are physically or financially unable to be hands-on with a lot of things. In that case – pray on! It does make a difference 🙂
There are still meals to make, cards or phone calls to send, finances to release, gardens to weed, cakes to bake, houses to raise, kids to love and mentor…and maybe even justice and mercy to extend, laws to change, or conventions to be overturned.
Prayer provides the blueprint, and then we build.
(Having said that, if your mental and emotional state right now means you’re unable to do any of that – it’s OK!
You don’t have to “do stuff” to be worth loving ❤ )
I can’t encompass the whole world, but that’s why we have community. Everyone has a place to sing hope into!
I’m going to think and pray, and spend time asking my Father what to do and where.
Here is where my heart sits today…
Driving, Dads And Doughnuts
Sunday just gone was Fathers’ Day. We didn’t celebrate riotously, but I think my Babe enjoyed it.
We went very early to church for the morning service, as Sweet Bean was on the camera. When we got there, a car was parked in the cafe…
Beautiful, but unexpected…
There were other classic cars out the front for the Dads to drool over. I quite enjoyed looking at them as well – they may not be the best choice for economising on petrol, but they are gorgeous to look at!
The men (18+) were given a Krispy Kreme doughnut to enjoy after the service. Sweet Bean just missed out – he turns 18 on Friday ❤
Back home for a substantial lunch, then an afternoon snooze – after opening presents!
It was a good day.
One of the best things was the morning sermon…
Feeling unsure about fatherhood – either yours to your kids, or your father’s to you?
Have a listen to some wisdom and experience –
1000 Fields of Roses 