Those Lights So High

Dear Reader,

It is another Monday of "Sharing Christmas" with At the Well. I'm sitting in my favorite coffee shop back home, headphones in, a frozen white chocolate mocha, and a brownie which is too good for words (and was also the first thing I've eaten today from waking up very late this afternoon). When I realized it was Monday, I couldn't help but smile. What perfect timing it was to be writing this entry while enjoying one of the many comforts of home. I hope you enjoy :)

This week, we are supposed to be writing about how we decorate for Christmas. I must say that this coffee shop I'm in now is decorated more than my own house. I don't say this with disappointment, but in good humor, that of all weeks to be talking about decorations, ours aren't even up...yet.

Every year my brother and I put up the Christmas tree together. It has never been a huge family event, but when we do, we do have a good time in the process. I can't even tell you, dear reader, what ornaments we have at home sitting in that box of decorations that are waiting to be put on the tree. That's one surprise I thoroughly enjoy every year when we open that box up. It's as though the ornaments are brand new and we get the honor of putting each and every one of them up (and definitely "up" high enough so our dog can't get to them). Sitting here writing this to you now, I realized something that took place last night, that I hadn't taken the time to enjoy in quite some time.

Going to school in a bigger city than here at home, I can't see the stars very well. It saddens me every time I'm there because here at home, they can't be missed. You can walk outside as soon as it starts getting dark, look up, and see an array of lit wonders covering the sky. Last night, despite it being 20-something degrees out, I bundled up in my biggest coat and a blanket, and went out on my roof for a while. I just sat there and talked with God until my face couldn't take being cold any longer. In doing so, all I could do when looking at the stars was be in awe. What a...tall ladder it would take to reach all the way of to the sky and "hang" all of those stars. I thought of Abraham trying to count them all when God told him that his descendants would number the stars and more. I laughed and smiled, thanking Him every time a shooting star went flying above me. God, once again, didn't cease to amaze me.

As God decorates the sky with endless amounts of stars, He does the same within my heart and soul. He decorates and covers my heart in His love, grace, and mercy. Except, these decorations are not annual. He continuously changes them as my life goes on when I learn something new, give Him praises, worship Him boldly, submit unto His will, confess my wrongdoings, and humbly express my gratitude and reverence. Decorating a tree to what God does in my life, and the lives of all His children, is incomparable. I am thankful to say that during this season, He begins to show Himself to me even more.

How do you decorate for Christmas dear reader?
and
How has God done His own handy-work in Your life?

Blessings and peace I pray for you and once again, Merry Christmas :)

God Bless,

JB