We often make December a month of frantic activity, as we wrestle with time & energy, trying to make everything perfect for a media-imposed “perfect Christmas”
Yet deep within my soul, there is yearning to slow down; do less and embrace the calm which calls to my life…
How I long to shine & sparkle in my daily life like the vibrancy of fireworks against the dark night sky! But often, we feel far from sparkly, worn down by the difficulties of life. How can we rediscover the sparkle within us; things that light us up, bringing joy?
Scientists call mycelium the “wood wide web” for its hidden underground networks being key to survival and communication. It has much to teach us about God’s design for interdependence and connection for his creation. For we are not designed to flourish in isolation, but through relationship with God and others.
I recall the harvest story of Ruth containing the struggles of everyday lives…a glimpse into the painful journey of an ordinary migrant family. Yet throughout, supported and befriended by her bereaved daughter in law, her tale is threaded through with evidence of God-with-us through all things, his provision conquering all.
Have you ever picked up a beautiful stone at the beach, its colour and patterns glimmering in the sunlight, only to find that once dry, it has lost its allure? The beauty of pebbles and stones is so much greater when wet within the water and highlighted by sunlight.
I’m not good at looking after myself. I listen to my body…and often know what it needs, and then ignore its whisperings, trying to squeeze more out of its finite resources.
Have you ever had a big project to finish that just seemed insurmountable? One that felt too big to handle?
We are all distinctly different, with diverse and unique giftings bequeathed to us by our Creator God. Yet so often, we hanker after the gifts or resources that we see in others.
My word this year, reminds me of this piece of art called “Intentional Journey” that I created a few years back, made from stitched and layered mixed media, including handmade fabric paper and felt.