Time for the weekly wrap-up! With only a few days left until Christmas (cue the collective gasp!), many people are rushing to finish their holiday shopping for gifts and festive foods. I’m pleased you took a moment out of your busy schedule to read this post!
Life changes rapidly, and sometimes we’re left reeling. A sudden emergency demands our attention, upending previous plans; a forgotten bill resurfaces and we’re left with a smaller budget for Christmas gifts than is comfortable; or maybe some changes have been too gradual to notice but have now become our reality. Whatever situation you find yourself in, we can all agree that much of the time nothing goes according to our plans. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV says “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” I make a lot of plans; however, God is sovereign over the direction of my life. This is such a blessed assurance! Why should I trust in myself when I have such limited knowledge of the future? When I trust God’s omniscient wisdom and direction, I know things will work out for the best because God wants the best for His children.
This year, my family’s Christmas has been different; however, I really don’t feel all that sad about it. I’m aware of the gradual change in my parents as they age and of my growing responsibility to take care of them. Other circumstances have changed into a genuine blessing. I can say with confidence that God is faithful and comforts us as we grow into the men and women He created us to be. I believe I’m finally in a position where I trust God in the daily details and not only in the large events that happen. He cares about the smallest, or grandest, hopes and dreams of our hearts and loves to bring His children joy.
I pray you are having a blessed Christmas season; if it hasn’t turned out like you wanted it to, trust in God’s plan and look for the little joys. It’s understandable to be heartbroken, but just know Jesus is the greatest Artist who can create something beautiful from the broken pieces of your life. Merry Christmas! ❤️💚
Books, Coffee, and Jesus 