Christmas is just over. Our family celebrated on December 27 together. It was quite different since it was the first one since one of our kids went to heaven and Christmas morning was only with family via the phone and skype. I don’t know what Christmas traditions your family carries out. But ours has practiced many- tree and house decorating, caroling, a birthday party for Jesus, an advent re-enactment captured on video with on the spot and random cast selection and prop creation, the advent candles, a daily Christmas calendar for the first 25 days of December, and many others. Children grow up and begin their own traditions which changes the event for all of us. Then, when one of them is no longer with us, it changes even more. In fact, we failed to carry out most of the traditions mentioned above for the first year in three decades. But, to quote my kids, “It’s all good.”
It begs the question, “What matters most?” I know that most of you will give the standard answers. But the standard answers are the outcomes not the origins, the symptoms instead of the causes, leafy tree rather than root, exposed ice instead of the supporting and submerged iceberg, game rather than training. Have I used enough metaphor? The standard answers are family, health, job, good friends (assuming some might not be so good) and shelter (a warm and safe place to live). There are variations on these themes. But, they are the standard answers. Are they really the core of what matters most? Can they possibly be? Are they not gifts for which we must be grateful to a giver?
Is there not something behind all of that? I know many people whose families are disasters, friends are fair-weather, jobs are inadequate and unfulfilling, health is faltering and who live from place to place. Does that strip away their ability to be grateful? Not always. Not really. I have known people in unfortunate circumstances in most or all of these categories who are as grateful as the person with everything- sometimes more grateful. What then matters most for the person who has everything and the person who has nothing, but acts like they have everything?
It is necessary to peel back the layers. Behind those who are most grateful for family, even dysfunctional ones, are people who understand that they are part of an eternal family with a loving heavenly Father in charge. Behind those most grateful for health, even poor health, are people who have the quiet confidence that someday they will possess a new body that will not break down. They are people who know that this body is not “the final answer.” Behind those grateful for a home, even though it might just be a series of temporary places to hang a hat, are people who know that there is a place that will be home forever and that everywhere here is truly temporary.
What matters most? I am thankful for every symptom and expression of the true good mentioned above- home, family, job, health, friends- even though some of it might not appear to be the best to those who compare and keep score. But, behind these expressions is the foundational cause- a God who loves, transforms, relates gives, shelters and cares. It truly matters most to know Him, live out His purpose for me, and surrender everything in order to serve Him. That underlies everything for which I am grateful. When people ask, “For what are you grateful?” I mention many of the same things that others do. It is just that I cannot stop there. Otherwise, I feel like I’m the child enamored with the box while ignoring the gift inside. The trappings of God’s grace are everywhere. I thank him for the trappings. But, I must- I just must- understand that I cannot live without Him as center of my life and can only fully live with Him at the center of my life.
Greetings! Blessing for the new year to come and always! Was thinking of you oft at this time of yr. Glad to see a post. Take care and God be very close to you.
He has been especially close to me and I am grateful!!!
Posted by: Brenda | December 28, 2008 at 08:48 PM