I questioned myself in the mirror a few days ago. The reply was a shoulder shrug and a “meh.” That girl needed an attitude adjustment.

I’d been staring at a partially-lit Christmas tree for over two weeks. I had Keith bring it up from the basement so I could take my time and work on fluffing and stringing lights—where many of the pre-lit ones had died. Alas, I had no desire to touch the tree, but sadly plugged it in every evening and let it mock me with its smashed branches and swath of darkness.

Would Christmas 2020 irrevocably tangle my tinsel?

I needed some magic pixie dust. Or perhaps a round of eggnog with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” playing in the background?
 
Nope. I turned to my tried and true method of getting over myself. I prayed. I asked God to give me a proper perspective and return my vertical vision. Horizontal vision gets me in trouble every time. It seems I cannot look away once I catch a glimpse of the mayhem that surrounds me on every hand. Then I fixate on the things outside my control that threaten my loved ones and me. 

Before I know it I have a snowball of fear and despair in my hand.

Watch out if you get in my path when I’m in such a state.

It takes supernatural force to turn my gaze upward to be reminded who He is and where my standing is, despite the chaos. His look of love melts my snowball and relaxes my “armed and dangerous” pose, flooding me with peace and purpose.
I also read passages like this one from Psalms. A reminder that He gets me and believes in His plan for me:

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.
From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.
He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. 
(Psalm 33:13-15)

Turns out He sent a bit of pixie dust anyway.

I took advantage of that tree and hastily stuck Fred (our elf on the shelf) in its branches. He made his 2020 debut with a letter to the grandkids asking why no one had decorated anything. I was in my room when the two of them arrived home from school. Henry typically beelines to retrieve my iPad in there, but he stopped short, and it took me a second to remember Fred was in the tree just outside our bedroom door.

Oh, I wish I could describe the excitement in Henry’s voice. He had intercepted Fred on the tree before he reached me. I listened as he reached high to retrieve Fred’s letter. Then I waited, expectantly, as he ran toward the stairwell (where Scarlett typically takes much longer to emerge) and gushed, “Scarlett! Our elf on the shelf is back! Fred is here and he left us a letter!” 

There was my Christmas spirit. The joy of my grandchild in the make-believe…the innocence of wonder and awe that Fred had returned, just as he promised.

Something flickered inside and I remembered…

I have joy in what I believe. There is wonder and awe in the celebration of His coming to Bethlehem. There is hope that He will return for you and me.  

2020 has been on His calendar since the beginning of time itself. We’ve been in good hands all along. May we carry this sacred knowing within us throughout the season. May we be aware that others will need more Christmas cheer than ever before this year. 

LORD, let us look around at the opportunities You provide to be kind and love well, but keep our vision vertical. You know us; we need You.

Be Kind. Love Well.

~ Tonda

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Excuse me? Our television is a good distance from the bed, but not that far.

Maybe he’s spending an excessive amount of time on the iPad with his face so close to the screen? I don’t think I’ve ever made the correlation. Now it’s become conspicuously obvious how far the TV is from our bed! (And how close his little face is to the iPad!)

Waking this morning, I thought about that scenario. Often, because I spend face-to-face time with my Father, I forget that others don’t know they’re far from Him. I fail to have compassion due to the familiarity of my position.  

With all of us keeping our distance it becomes even less likely we’ll encounter someone who needs to move closer to Jesus. Or maybe not…

Our neighbors. Delivery people. The person who brings my curbside pickup to the car. Maybe an old friend we look up to reconnect. Even my social media posts will either draw men to Him or throw up roadblocks.

I don’t know what the future will bring. But the message of hope we hold – this treasure in earthen vessels – needs to be communicated intentionally and liberally.

The Word says there’s a lot of fertile soil around us, just longing to be watered. Or perhaps I can tend some seeds that were planted by another.

Maybe I need to change positions mentally so I keep a fresh perspective, to stay present with the people around me. Christ was constantly on the move and encountered countless opportunities to introduce folks to our Father. 

Let’s pray like David, “God give us eyes to see and ears to hear.”

I wonder what else I’m missing or not seeing clearly. That’s what’s on my mind…

Be Kind. Love Well.

~ Tonda

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An hour later we went out again and the surf had picked up. The waves were stronger and even I had to brace to keep my footing. One big wave washed over her and suddenly she clung to me. She really wanted to be in the water, but instinct kept her close.

Yet another life lesson from the ocean. I can get sort of bold and sassy when I’m equipped with my “spiritual gear.” The Word. Bible study. Consistent prayer life. A relative calmness in life. 

Without warning, I can be lulled away thinking I’m fine. The waves begin to subtly increase in size and repetition. Before I know it I’ve drifted and found I’m scrambling for my Father. 

Rest assured, He has never left my side and He is strong enough to handle my grasping, scrambling soul until it feels safe again.

Notice I didn’t say IS safe. That’s because I’m never fully out of His reach, so I’m always safe. The key to peace, however, is not drifting too far so I know I can quickly grab hold of Him in a storm.

His lessons are all around. What will He teach us today?

Be Kind. Love Well. 
~ Tonda 

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We spend a lot of time watching cooking shows. Isn’t it funny how those trained chefs make you feel like you can sauté, flambé, and fricassee? But my favorite, the one I’d love to cook and eat dinner with every single night, is Ina Garten. She teaches you to cook like a pro and she motivates me to jump in and go for it! 

When seeking a recipe I always look to her first. I pull up the ingredients and follow her written steps precisely. We’re never disappointed by the outcome. 

However, when I watch her, I learn the ins and outs of letting ingredients come to room temperature or allowing things to rest before or after you cook them, and many other unique nuances I won’t find written in the recipe. 

For example, her recipe details all of the elements I need for a successful lemon poppyseed cake. With Ina, I’ve learned that when she says “add a teaspoon” in the steps, on TV she may actually heap the spoon rather than level it, which affects the outcome. Or when making yummy veggie ciabatta sandwiches on the panini press she may say doing this or that will help the flavors to marinate (don’t I sound professional?). She always tosses in a bit more salt and she’s a fan of extra-large eggs. Who knew?

I think this might be a little like my relationship with God. I read His word and get all the details for a delicious life. Steps I can follow. 

But when I’m continually aware of His Spirit springing up and living, moving, breathing as me I feel beyond capable in every situation. He has layered the ingredients for a life of Divine decadent deliciousness. I believe so much in who He is inside of me, that He comes alive in new ways that make me stand back and declare, “That was satisfying!”

His Word is the recipe, but His Spirit is the secret ingredient to a life that overcomes. Tune in and watch and listen. Follow His lead. Prepare to see the glory of the LORD!

Let’s be bold and courageous as we sample all that life in Him has to offer.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good!” – Psalm 34:8

Now I think I’ll go try my hand at the lemon poppyseed cake.

Be kind. Love well.
~ Tonda

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