To say that this week has been challenging is only the beginning of it! In fact, since Thanksgiving it seems like my weeks have been full of challenges...packed full of things to do, places to be, people to meet with, etc. And though that really is no different from my "normal" weeks, these past few weeks have been laced with many challenges: confrontations at work, feelings of inadequacy, pure exhaustion, confused emotions, tension-filled conversations, holiday parties, telling my principal of our plans to move to Africa, the heartache from the brokenness of those friends around me, and the situations that face down my ability to give grace and forgiveness. It has been an overwhelming to say the least.
In light of it all, I found such a reason to be optimistic (there are always reasons to look at the bright side and see God's hand in these dark, challenging moments.)** Yesterday (Friday), I realized that my camera was still in my purse from Thursday night's Christmas party. So I got it out and started taking pics of the children in my class. We had just reviewed the beginning of the Nativity story and our verse from the week. They brought such happiness to my soul. I made 2 of the boys get up and say their verse again for me. All morning they had been bouncing off the walls...hysterically laughing at anything and everything...even the Bible verse. So they stood there, and as I recorded with my camera, they recited our week's verse with complete excitement and elation! Luke 2:10, "Do not be afraid! I bring you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY that will be for ALL people." As I am typing this I am coming to the realization that I am the one that needed to learn this verse this week. This verse was what the angel announced to the shepherd's outside of Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. Maybe its a stretch...maybe not...but tonight amidst my confused and conflicted feelings of forgiveness, grace and anger I can hear Heaven tell me that I should NOT be afraid. Jesus has come and has laid it all in the open. He took on all these feelings on Himself and has called me into a new Kingdom...His forgiveness is there...His love is here...His grace is welcoming...and His endless mercy is for ALL people!
**The best event all week was the fact that Daniel got a promotion!! Yipee!...this deserves a post in and of itself!!
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2 comments:
Jamie you have me in tears over here. This blog is beautiful and eloquent! Thank you so much for posting it!! I love how the Lord can use children to remind us of his love, grace and mercy. Everytime I think of the verse you shared Linus' voice from the Charlie Brown Christmas movie enters my head; one of the last scenes when Charlie Brown says "Isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?" and then Linus starts reciting scripture and the Christmas story. I love that movie and I love you for sharing what's on your heart!
Just what I needed to hear. It's been an emotionally rough weekend for me. Lots of reasons; Ryan's traveling which always stinks, a two year old with cancer that I've been praying for since Aug. just found out his bone marrow transplant didn't work (he's dying) and then just family stuff that is never easy. Just wishing I could run away from it all! But you're right...thank God for the "good news" that the angels declared that night long ago. Thanks for sharing your heart. God just used you to bless me!
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