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
Where in this great big world are you spending Christmas? I'll be in Van Buren, Arkansas at the home of my grandparents. I'd love to know where you'll be too!
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Congratulations to Laurie and Debbie for winning a copy of my devotional, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times. The copies were donated by an anonymous Heart to Heart reader who loves you just as much as I do. And if you'd still like a copy, you can use my friends and family coupon code (holley20) to get 20% off on DaySpring.com. Just because you're wonderful.
Holley Gerth
Reader Comments (86)
And, yes, see you at Blissdom, Jo-Lynne!