Too Busy... for Christmas?

Have you ever had a strong desire to post pone something in your life? What about Christmas?

I'm a natural creative planner, I plan for everything! It's not even something that I think about anymore it just happens. This month has been crazy! Usually by December 10th, I have all of my Christmas shopping complete and I'm excited to just sit back and savor the elements that make Christmas... fun... like candy, family channel's 12 days of Christmas, snow falling, ice skating, carolers, Christmas lights... and one of the most powerful symbols of the year... the nativity.

This year is soooo different from any other year. Perhaps it's because I am soooo busy that I am having difficulty enjoying the day to day blessings that are right in front of my face. My month is packed out daily... actually it's packed out until January 5th!!! And not just a busy schedule but a morning through night constantly mobile kind of schedule. In the middle of it all... The World Missions Summit2, where God will do some amazing things. 

Being really busy brings out two parts of my personality that aren't typically seen otherwise. I am incredibly productive under pressure (not always the most relational, but definitely incredibly productive), when I feel the pinch, I get the job done and done well. The second, I become very dry. This is the one that I'm continually seeking to change.  I can spend so much time being a "Martha" that I forget to balance it with a "Mary."   And spending time as a "Mary" is what shapes our character. Only spending time in the presence of the Master will truly shape you. Doing all the right things aren't always what the Lord wants. Sometimes He just wants us... and sometimes, He's willing to let us hit our lowest possible bottom so that we'll be willing to repent and trust Him for grace, mercy, strength, compassion, love... we are so fallen, Jesus help us.  

What I'm really trying to say is... if we've been too busy for Jesus, we've missed it. When's the last time you took Jesus on a date? When's the last time you thought about Him over yourself?And weren't so selfish that you hogged the whole conversation? When's the last time you repented and allowed Him to give you a clean slate? When's the last time you forgave yourself and pressed toward the mark?  Is there anything keeping you from being a "Mary"? If so, maybe it's time to prioritize a little better.... repent a little more... be not condemned... have a little more faith... and be willing to let the light shine into the shadows... to be forever changed. 

Something tells me that the greatest gift you could give to Jesus this Christmas is yourself. Most of you are believers, but in truth, we have to die to ourselves daily.  If we fail to do this... flesh will take over. Give Him the greatest gift this season... give him you.