Grace and Favour

The last day of a challenging year. I come to God asking forgiveness for my many shortcomings over this year, over these last 24 hours even, and I am given grace and favour. I know that without him, I can never be the dance of life that I want to be for others. Only as I allow Jesus free expression in my life can his joy and life explode onto the darkness that often surrounds us.

He helps me to allow him that freedom in my life. I empty myself of all regrets over this past year, accept his love and forgiveness, and make room for the dance of life and joy that is God. Our loving Heavenly Father.

We navigated the year with his help. I just watched a video clip of the bridge at Cambus o'May being washed out by the flooding river Dee, and think there were times this year when I felt like that beleaguered bridge. But Jesus never let me go.

So as this year ends, I don't reflect that it was awful, but instead that God was great. As doubt and indecision, denial and even love stalled my actions, he chivvied me along. I think of those others who have walked this particular path with me this year and feel so grateful to God for their practical involvement and prayerful help. I marvel that the Father had just enough people in place at critical moments to maintain safety and show love.

I have often felt at a distance from mom and Mhairi during this year, but God was never closer. I am overwhelmed by gratitude and quiet joy.

Giving Myself

I just read the parable of the talents. You know the one, where the first two people invest and use their talents and give the master a return when he returns. The third buries his and keeps it safe to give back to the master.
Sometimes I have thought this story might be a bit about risk. The third guy being cautious with money and thinking maintaining the status quo was the best outcome. But today it was crystal clear to me. It is all about who the three people think the master is.
What we think of God determines how we act in the world, in the everyday lives we live. If we think of him as a harsh and demanding being who is looking for sinless perfection in us, we will be cautious in everything we do. We will be judgmental and critical of those whose failings are glaringly obvious.
But if we know God, and we know how much he loves us and just what he did to enable us to live with him forever, we will live lavish and generous lives, making the most of the gifts he has given us.
Especially at Christmas, as we think of Jesus among us, God's amazing love is revealed for all who have eyes to see.
I am running so far behind in the annual Christmas race that there is no point in starting to run now. I have been busy with other things, and this will be a Christmas where the emphasis is on relationships and giving of ourselves to each other.
That is what our living Heavenly Father has given to us. Himself. What will I do with that gift today, as I head to the dentist, babysitting, maybe buying a Christmas tree? I pray that he will shine through all I do.

King of Kings

Jet-lagged and dopier than usual, I stood beside my Mom in church this morning participating in the service of 9 lessons and carols. We flew in from Los Angeles yesterday, after three busy weeks clearing Mom's home of over 60 years, painting and refreshing it, holding a wild yard sale (never again I hope!), selling her car, and then packing and flying over here. Mom is a trooper. 91 plus and up for all the activity going.
There was something incredible about singing Glory to the new born King beside her in the company of  such amazing friends in Banchory.
Then home for her to meet her great granddaughter for the first time. Wee Felicity was of course the magnet to get Mom on that plane for a three week Christmas break.
Some of these past weeks has been commented on in my Facebook page, Michele D Morrison, but I wasn't really able to manage more than that. I am expecting God to show me more amazing things each day of his divine interventions over these weeks. Without him none of that would have been possible.
To God be the glory, and to my praying friends, a sincere and heartfelt thanks.