Taking The Challenge
Many Sundays our pastor offers us a challenge based on something he preached about. During Advent, he preached on the book "The Advent Conspiracy". WORSHIP FULLY, SPEND LESS, GIVE MORE AND LOVE ALL - are the basic guidelines from the book. As a reminder for us to try and live these guidelines during the next year, he proposed this challenge: when packing away the ornaments, choose one to be placed in a prominent place in the house. Let this ornament serve as a spiritual reminder to "live" Christmas all year. Simple, right? For some, the ornament may be enough. But for me, I think I'll need something more - something bigger - more "in my face".
My guys gave me more pieces for my "Willow Tree" Nativity set. It's on the baby grand downstairs in the living room. I will see it every day, several times a day. Can't miss it, even if I tried.
I have challenged myself to stop and look at it every day. To pick a different piece - a lamb, a shepherd, Mary - pick it up and study it. Think about the part each piece plays in this holy tableau. And reflect on my place and what that means to me in that moment.
Yes, there will be days when I rush by the Baby Jesus without checking on Him and days when I will barely give that proud camel a glance. There is no accountability really. I mean, I haven't made a vow to the Lord or promised Him anything. But I want - no, I need - to do something different this year. Something to change the way I think, act and feel about giving and taking. About worshipping fully and loving all. I don't really know yet how this will work but I have an open mind and a teachable (although slightly stubborn) heart. Maybe blogging about it will help - I need to read and write more anyway - and probably watch less tv and stay off the computer - except when I'm blogging : )
My guys gave me more pieces for my "Willow Tree" Nativity set. It's on the baby grand downstairs in the living room. I will see it every day, several times a day. Can't miss it, even if I tried.
I have challenged myself to stop and look at it every day. To pick a different piece - a lamb, a shepherd, Mary - pick it up and study it. Think about the part each piece plays in this holy tableau. And reflect on my place and what that means to me in that moment.
Yes, there will be days when I rush by the Baby Jesus without checking on Him and days when I will barely give that proud camel a glance. There is no accountability really. I mean, I haven't made a vow to the Lord or promised Him anything. But I want - no, I need - to do something different this year. Something to change the way I think, act and feel about giving and taking. About worshipping fully and loving all. I don't really know yet how this will work but I have an open mind and a teachable (although slightly stubborn) heart. Maybe blogging about it will help - I need to read and write more anyway - and probably watch less tv and stay off the computer - except when I'm blogging : )
