The Gift of Reflection
Oh hey, short on time? No worries! I'd love to join you on your commute or daily walk/run, or shoot, even while you take care of that to-do list. We can't let these things get in the way of this friendship. It's just starting to get good! Click below to listen to the blogcast.
Lately, we've been speaking of zinger gifts (if you missed any of the recent posts, you can check it out here)... and today, we're considering one that seems out of reach:
Time travel.
There's a reason Back to the Future was the highest grossing film of 1985 worldwide. There's a reason it earned a whopping $381.1 million. We're intrigued with the concept of time travel. And it wasn't just the kids in the '80's. In 2014, Interstellar brought in $677 million. The intrigue is growing.
Maybe - probably - it's my natural desire for quality time, but why not lean into this a bit more?
This year, whether it zings or flops, I've decided to give the gift of time travel. I shared one of my ideas with you last week and wanted to expand on this again for you this week. It's not a gift wrapped in Back to the Future paper, though that would create some intrigue on its own, but it's a gift that allows both the giver and the receiver to travel back in time together.
On second thought, if only I could find wrapping paper with my favorite Hallmark movies, that would be most fitting...
Life Is Not a Hallmark Movie
Because this memory which came to mind, it's not one from not long ago, just last year.
Life is not a Hallmark movie, but this day sure felt like one.
We loaded up in the truck in search for the perfect Christmas tree. The farm selection was shockingly overpriced so I opted for a wreath with holly berries and we headed to Lowe’s of all places for a reasonably priced tree (what you don’t see on Hallmark).
Though it wasn’t our intentions, our plaid shirts matched almost to a T (the cutesy-cheesiness you do see on Hallmark, of course).
The outing made complete with a “hot and fresh” donut run. After all, Christmas trees and Christmas calories go hand in hand.
So this year, we traveled back in time and recreated one of our favorite days together with a good friend.
I remember how this day smelled - the fragrant pine filling the crisp air.
I remember how this day tasted - sweet, soft, sugary and warm donuts.
But mostly, I remember how this day felt - Will’s gentle touch on the small of my back when we leaned in for one of our first photos together. The touch, the rush of new love paired with the warmth knowing there is something very different in this. The touch that said “I’m here. Finally, after all the years of praying and patiently waiting for God's timing and His plan, I'm here. Love is here." (Insert all the butterfly and praise hand emojis. This is the stuff dreams are made of.)
It brings tears to my eyes when I think about the heart of God. Though He is above time and thousands of years ago is a mere blink for Him, when God thinks of the gift He gave us, what might He remember? What part does He cherish about that moment in the barn?
Does He remember how this night smelled - the clean newborn scent of the Savior, a welcome fragrance in the midst of a rancid barn and a world reeking with sin?
Does He remember how this night tasted - the God-man newborn learning how to nurse and tasting the milk from the breast of His earthly mother?
But mostly, does He remember how this night felt - Jesus' gentle touch, His finger wrapping around the thumb of Joseph and the pinky of Mary. The divine touch telling the world, "I'm here. Finally, after all the years of My people praying and patiently waiting for My timing and My plan, I'm here. Love is here."
Sitting in this memory and thinking about the story of Christmas, that silent night long ago, I’m reminded of how it says, “Mary treasured these things in her heart.” How much more did God?
Treasuring something requires intention. This Christmas, let's give the gift of reflection and may it draw us ever closer to the heart of God.
What are your favorite Christmas memories, whether from years before or even last year? How can you recreate this experience and relive this special memory again this year?
When we cherish the time we have with one another, I believe we delight God. Gratitude bursts forth from a heart made full.
May we find strength for today as we reflect on the gift of Jesus. May our joy renew as we share the truth of Christmas with others and peace fill our world as we reflect on the greatness of this gift from God. May we rest knowing this is not only a memory but a promise of what's to come - Who is to come again - for us.
The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.
I love hearing from you, so go ahead. Leave a comment. Be brave. Maybe your comment will speak life into someone else!
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