Know your Maker

My friend Wanda died this past week. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer in June just shortly after my diagnosis. I went to her memorial service and to Don Walker's memorial service who died suddenly from heart failure after living his last decade debilitated by a stroke. Somewhere along the route we take a bigger interest in knowing our maker and getting in touch with our purpose. The reminder that we are not invincible or forever on this earth can draw us closer to more meaningful relationships.
The journey can take it's toll on relationships too. For many it has to be gone alone. How can one be seeking a deeper connection with God and a partner be going about daily living ignoring or blocking out the fear of death and the repercussions that would have? Some difficult decisions are made in the midst of hardships. What would Jesus do? He retreated to the garden for prayer with his maker. He needed to be alone to face the crowds and live the last days with purpose.
I still pray for an open heart that I might hear God's calling and be filled with his loving presence and shed distructive emotions. Daily devotions are good for the soul.
Christmas can be both a blessing and a hardship depending on the state of your heart. Staying focused on the celebration of Christ's birth and keeping up with the gifts you need to buy, card you need to mail, and parties you need to attend or lack thereof, can be a juggling act.
The joy of Christmas is that we celebrate the birth of Christ, we decorate with lights at this dark time of year to remind ourselves that we have been promised eternal light...eternal life. Blessings to you all out there and fill your hearts with love this season. Merry Christmas.