Volume 18: Rest in Christmas

 

Back in college, one of my very wise friends, Becky, challenged us: "We all look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break because we think it is the only time that will bring rest. But we can get rest and refreshment every week if we start to take the Sabbath more seriously. Work hard for six days and then rest on the seventh."

That was one of the reasons as to why I started resting on Sunday, and I'm really thankful for her ability to emphasize the importance of taking a day off. 

However, I'll say it....  breaks are still much needed and refresh you in a different way - extended time off. 

So here's to a really great Christmas break!!

This Christmas, I found myself continuing to be in awe of Jesus's humanity. And as I thought more and more about Him literally coming into this world as a baby, it deeply humbled me. The God of the Universe! The Creator of all things! Yet, He came as a BABY. (I know you all know this, but man, it's wild when you really think through all it entails.)

And there I was, on Christmas day, holding baby Teagan and found myself in disbelief that Jesus came in a form just like Teagan. So small, yet created with a purpose out of love. 

I really enjoyed my advent book, Honest Advent by Scott Erickson, because of the author's determination to not shy away from the MESS of Christmas. That Mary went through all of the pains of labor and had to give birth in an unclean random space. That Joseph was probably a nervous, doubtful, yet eager father anticipating his first child. That Jesus was a helpless, needy baby with dirty diapers (who knows what they used back then?) and spit up. 

However, in the midst of the mess, what a beautiful, world-changing miracle. A gift that we are so incredibly unworthy of. Giving us an ability to relate with the Son of God. A love exemplified that we cannot even begin to fully fathom. 

Speaking of messes, seven years ago, my Mom and I got in an argument that ended up splitting the family on Christmas, and I honestly wasn't sure if we would ever fully reconcile because of the hurt that I felt. But this Christmas, I had a moment of stopping and giving thanks, as I clearly recognized the beautiful restoration that the Lord has been continuing to weave together. 

That in the mess of family, there are still so many blessings and gifts. And although my family is not one who focuses on the true meaning of the holiday, Jesus was so present this Christmas. In the moments of:

Singing songs with Blakely around the dinner table

Participating in the 4th annual Olympics in freezing weather (I'll win one day...)

Competing in the saran wrap ball that my Aunt spent weeks on 

My Mom happily married to Jake and no longer alone

Siblings all getting along really well, despite being so different from each other

Two healthy, wonderful babies in the family 

Sitting around the tree, opening presents from generous parents

Watching Blakely's imagination and knowledge develop

My Dad on the sixth episode of the Chosen and enjoying it

Time at the cabin, walking in the snow

This break, I found rest in the fact that if the actual birth of Jesus was not perfect and tidy, our holidays and time with family just might be messy. 

And that's okay. Jesus, who came as a BABY, can relate. 

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Christmas break honorable mentions:

Highlight of the break: time with the Currys! A couple that very quickly became such big influences in my life, leading me to a stronger faith and desire to learn more. There are few people in this world whose presence can bring me as much rest as these two. The kind of friends who feel like home. May we all be as generous and faithful as Elliott and Seth Curry! What a joy to see how the Lord continues to provide in their marriage and time in Greenville!

Heroes in the flesh: while in Greenville, I had lunch with some of the teachers and assistant principal that were on my hall at Beck. The kind of people in my life that I would have never crossed paths with, if it weren't for being on each other's team. When dealing with seventh graders all day, these people became the ones who kept me sane and supported me on my hard days. Post covid life in education still isn't ideal, but they keep showing up and I admire them and am thankful for their consistency and perseverance. 

What! Who wants to see co-workers over break!!! I do!!! Because they are more than coworkers! I am really thankful to work with a team that really does become family. Who understand you and know you on a different level. Who love you well and you can be yourself around. 

And last but NOT LEAST, here's to the DAWGS! Just another sibling adventure, ending in an amazing victory. Down by 14 going into the fourth quarter, it wasn't looking good. But may we be more like the dawgs and never give up! Give it everything you have! Amen!

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There's a lot to be thankful for. But none of it would be possible without the baby born in the manger on Christmas day. May we never lose sight of the ultimate gift, who came into this world, only to then die for our sake. Whew.