"Why you don't have to make everything perfect this Christmas...
I curl up on the couch, coffee in one hand and a pen in the other. I feel weary all the way to my bones.
I think of all the ways I fall short...
the corners of the house uncleaned.
the corners of my heart that are the same.
I whisper prayers about feeling too small, about things seeming impossible, of never being able to grasp that word that haunts the Daughters of Eve--perfect.
On the horizon of my heart a half-remembered Scripture slowly appears. I search for it. When I find it, I look in wonder...
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8 NKJV
Twin truths slip from that sentence. First, God alone knows what perfect really means. And let me assure you, it's not the standards we set. Second, only He can make it happen in our lives--and He will.
God's "perfect" may not match what we have in our minds. It may not come when we planned. It may not work out the way we always imagined it would.
But God will perfect that which concerns me, that which concerns you.
Is there any better proof than a baby in a manger born on Christmas morning?
Jesus was unexpected, not-as-planned, didn't-see-that-coming, more-than-we-imagined. In one word: Perfect.
And through Him, we can trust that somehow, inexplicably, God will make everything else in our lives right too.
We are imperfect but His love never, ever is.
That, my friends, is worth celebrating.
I get up from the couch. I set down my pen and coffee.
I find myself humming, "Joy to the world..."
written with love for you by holley"
Beautiful! Just what I needed on this day that is filled with more to do than hours to do it! I'm going to subscribe to Holley's devotions so I can be blessed with her writing every day. Merry Christmas to you, my friend, and may you have God's best blessings in the New Year ahead.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Wowza, Diva! This was beyond beautiful and timely. She's wise and a gifted writer. I'd like to read more. Does she have a blog?
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, dear friend. xo
Oh how lovely. Trust in the Lord. Yes.
ReplyDelete100% I agree with above comments! Absolutely Beautiful and so lovely of you to share it with us.Thank you Diva, as always you seem to know what we need to hear. xx
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful... and something we all needed to read at this time of the year. I did find myself asking Him for help a lot this Christmas season. At one point I did remember that all that matters is His Birthday, not the cards, not the gifts, not the hustle and bustle.
ReplyDeleteI will think about this devotional writing throughout the New Year each time I am trying to make things "perfect". I will try to let that up to Him.
Thank you for this post, Diva.
I wish you blessings and joy in the New Year!!
♥ audrey