TIS’ THE SEASON TO… RECEIVE
Tis’ the time of giving,
and of “Oh Silent Night.”
But may we calm the busy
to receive the greatest gift,
our shining Light.
Who is feeling exhausted lately?
I mean I am on so many levels, mainly because of having an infant but also because of the hustle and bustle, the hurry and the worry…
Wait! Hold up.
What is this season about?
Presents upon presents upon draining bank accounts and …
Wait! Press the brakes and pause into PRESENCE.
As much as this season is about giving, isn’t it really about receiving? Hear me out…
Jesus.
The story of His birth, life and how He sacrificed it all for us. For He loves us so much that He bore it all so we could have eternal life.
Love.
There is no greater love.
There is no greater love story.
Jesus.
So this season celebrates His birth. Even if historically it falls at a different time, we celebrate His birth, His arrival,
We celebrate the birth of Hope.
We receive it.
BUT we must make room to receive it…
And what does that look like… making room?
We must make room to receive not only receive the gift of Jesus but everything He wants to teach us each day. There is so much that we can learn each day but once again, we must make room to receive it. And this brings me to motherhood and being a teacher. It brings me to the moments where kids speak so innocently and yet they speak so truthfully too.
The blunt and innocent truth… often the things they everyone is thinking but no one will say. Kids… oh how they teach us.
The other day while driving my son here and there like parents do, my son and I had one of those moments. In our travels, he started to laugh to himself. When I asked him what he was chuckling about, he told me that the other night when I was feeding the babe to sleep (which has been taking awhile lately), he prayed with my husband and daughter for me.
I thanked him and then asked what was funny about that. I truly appreciate all the prayers. He then further explained, “ I prayed that you would come downstairs with a good attitude.”
I was so confused. Okay, that’s not funny. I think I have a good sense of humor but… wait what?
He continued to chuckle innocently about it while my eyes were probably bugged out of my head 👀 before starting my defensive response. “What? Why? Me? I’m nice. I’m chill. I’m calm.”
But then I paused though inside I was fuming. I started to want to question things like, “Did your dad tell you to say that?” Or explain, “Wait until you have kids…” But I knew I couldn't speak at that moment so I battled my tongue silent. I asked God, What do I need to receive from You at this moment? Is it a laugh? A lesson? A longing? Lord, help me pause my mouth and linger long enough to receive whatever it may be, even if it’s not easy to hear.
After which, I still felt blocked from speaking so I smiled. My son was still laughing, thinking it was the best thing. We soon continued our conversation jumping, as kids do, to other topics from soccer to bananas to puppies to riddles.
I continued to reflect about it a lot that afternoon. I started to feel guilty about my lack of patience when I’m sleep deprived and my mind is on overdrive. But then I got quiet again because I know how guilt works. Been there, done that. And I can’t because I know the Truth. I can be a good mom/teacher and still have those moments, the moments that I need prayers from anyone and everyone who will offer them. The times when the Holy Spirit tugs at me lovingly to teach me to linger long enough to not just react but instead to receive.
Sometimes, our defensive comebacks and excuses may block us from hearing and receiving a message God wants us to hear. We are not perfect and there is so much asked of us every single day. Still, it is in the quiet moments, in the pauses even when it may not be quiet around us… I find we best receive.
Wisdom
Strength
Clarity
Hope
Truth
Love
I mean even Jesus did it…
“At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
(Luke 4:42-43 NIV)
He often got quiet with the Lord before giving the message, before the healings, before…
So there is a lesson in “before.” During this season or whatever season we find ourselves in, what are we trying to do in our own strength? Where and how are we fueling and finding ourselves resting BEFORE giving? Our strength is fleeting but God’s is infinite. And so much of it I am learning is found during… quiet time with the Lord.And while this season may make it SEEM like it is impossible to do so, it is necessary…
to get quiet
to RECEIVE from the Lord
to be FILLED even before we start giving.
But to receive God’s perfect peace, we must slow down long enough to receive it. We do that in His Word, in His presence, at His feet in prayer and praise. We can do it by withdrawing into those quiet places like all the gospels mention including Luke chapters 4 and 5. Despite everything going on around Him, Jesus withdrew to meet with His Father regularly. He withdrew into quiet places to pause from the giving and to receive FIRST. To be with the Lord FIRST.
May I do the same.
May I go and be filled so that I may radiate love even after a stressful nighttime routine.
So The Art of a Messy House Right Here Right Now challenge is this: let’s find that place. Let’s make time to silence the chaos and craziness, and embrace God’s presence and wisdom. It is there He will help us focus and recharge. We just need to make the time to do this. Even if it means waking up a little earlier or taking a minute to pray in the closet before we get our clothes. (Waking up early like I used to, these days for me with a newborn, is not the best option but I can still find moments throughout the day.) Let’s find pockets of time throughout the day so that we don’t get to the point of exhaustion or like I must appear to my family after that bedtime routine. Let’s not glide with guilt either but instead let’s listen with love and laughter. Kids teach us such lessons, but they can reteach us to laugh too. So, let’s ask ourselves this, What are we trying to do with our own strength? How can we find time to be quiet with the Lord today so we can be filled with His instead? Where is our quiet place? And even if we can’t get into a specific place, may we remember that peace is found in Christ. Peace is Christ! So let’s seek Him right here right now.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
Dear God,
You are present. Thank you for Your presence in my life. Forgive me when I fail to come to you first. Empower me to find time with You amidst this season of hurry and much to do. I pray to pause to receive and be filled by You so that I can shine Your light through. Teach me through the moments. Instead of getting defensive, help me dance in the right direction. Fill my life with love and laughter. Fill me so I can pour into others, Your love and light. You are the reason for every single season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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