Dec. 6, 2016
11:30 pm
Beijing, China
I had big plans for today. I was going to go into work and print off a few things that I need for the rest of the week. I was going to go to the store and buy ingredients to make buckeyes for Gretchen’s party tomorrow. I was going to head up to Pearl Market to finish my Christmas shopping. I was going to do a lot of stuff today. Guess how much of that I actually did. Yep, you guessed it. I did none of that.
Now it’s actually a good thing that I didn’t make buckeyes because I had forgotten that Gretchen is allergic to nuts. Oops. And the other stuff I’m going to actually do tomorrow, so I guess I’m okay there. Still, I feel kind of bad for taking a super lazy day. To my credit, though, these past few days have been crazy busy. I was seriously exhausted after this weekend and Monday was just wild. I ended up sleeping for about 10.5 hours and could not get myself out of bed this morning. I wasn’t completely lazy, though. I did do all of my laundry and cleaned my apartment as best I could with my limited cleaning supplies. I really need to purchase a broom or a swiffer or something. So I did actually accomplish some things, I just never actually left my apartment.
The best part of my day was this evening. I’d had my computer on all day to just have noise in the background as I did stuff. But tonight I actually sat down to watch a movie. I was able to find Polar Express online, so I watched that as I ate my dinner. It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies, plus Tom Hanks is my favorite actor and he plays almost every character. Surprisingly, I actually got a little emotional watching it. I remembered reading the book as a kid with my parents, it even came with a bell from Santa’s sleigh. I’m pretty sure the bell still sits on our bookshelves or is somewhere in the house. Additionally, there’s a song called “When Christmas Comes to Town.” It’s always been my favorite from the movie. There’s a line that says, “The best time of the year, when everyone comes home. With all this Christmas cheer, it’s hard to be alone.” It hit me a little differently this time. It’s weird to hear that and realize that I’m not going to be coming home for Christmas this year. I promise, I’m not being all “woe is me” with this, I actually don’t feel that lonely. I’ve just never been in this position before and that line has never had much meaning for me. It made me wonder how much different this Christmas season really is going to be for me this year. That said, I trust Abba completely. I know that He’s got me right where He needs me and, even though it may not always be easy, He’ll lead me through any hardships and struggles that come my way.
Words to Remember: Genesis 32:22-32
Challenge: Day 2 – What are you wrestling with Abba about? What do you want more, to be blessed or to know more about Him? Take a moment to p—y about what resonated with you then sit in silence for a few minutes and see if you can hear His answer. If you can’t, don’t be discouraged. Keep your mind and heart open to His voice throughout your day. Maybe He’ll speak to you in the most unlikely circumstances.
Happy Holidays!
Kristen
