Rearrange

And from Thanksgiving...we roll right into Christmas. A friend of mind who was out of town the week of Thanksgiving returned and said when she left it was not yet Thanksgiving and when she returned it was like the city blinked and it was already decorated for Christmas.

We talked of the Christmas tree last night and where it would be placed this year...it seems crowded no matter where it lands but we decided to rearrange furniture in a different way this year hoping to open things up a little. So this morning I started moving that furniture..to make room for the tree. And as I was pushing and shoving and lifting...it occurred to me that this might be a good time for me to rearrange my thoughts and priorities and make room for the real reason for this season.

It happens every year...I want to focus on the real meaning of Christmas but I allow myself to get sucked into the decorations,. the presents, the music, the hustle, the festivities etc. And as much I as I hate to admit it...I so many times do not put emphasis where it should be. I don't spend even a little time ...each day....reflecting on the birth of Christ....and what my life would be without him as a part of it. But as I rearranged the furniture and got it all in its place for the season...and made room for the tree....I was pleased with the outcome...it was different, a visual change that worked. I want that change in my life as well! Not so much for others to see, though that would be to his glory if it worked that way...but more for me to embrace Christ who lives within me. To give him the attention and the recognition that he deserves and respectfully submit my way to be rearranged according to His vision for my life.

My mom was a rearranger and I loved it when I would come home ( to her home) and things that were familiar were in different spots. She had a knack for proportion...and color...and placement. She knew how much I loved it and even when I was married I would be surprised at the end of a work day....when I walked in to find a shifted room design. And my husband liked it as well. If only I would allow Christ the same privilege in my life...with my thoughts, my actions, my attitude...my reactions etc. I know I too would love the surprise of the results.

We leave keys under the mat and in hidden places for those who we trust to have access to our homes. And it is just a thought but why haven't I left a key for Christ to come and go as he pleases in my life. I have given him limited access...but how cool would it be to let Him come in when I am not aware and begin rearranging my thoughts for his purpose and for my peace and joy. Then... I realized as I was writing this... that that is exactly what I have done...unknowingly...and unaware. You have too! For the more time we make for Christ...the more access we are allowing him to have.

The more faithful I am...the more faithful I find him to be. To more trusting I am ....the more trustworthy I have found him to be...the more forgiving I am..the more forgiven I have found him to be. He has always overflowed with those
characteristics...but it takes rearranging on my part to recognize them, accept them and embrace them.

I looked at my room, the one I was rearranging, and had a vision of how things would work and the places where the furniture should go...but as long as those images remained in my head and I didn't make an effort to act upon them...the room would remain the same. Same with my thoughts of keeping Christ, the reason for this season, in the forefront of my activities. I have to consciously make the effort to keep him as my focus...in spite of the worldly distractions. So that is my prayer today...that God will help me to reflect and be continually reminded of the blessings of knowing him and serving him.

The decorations are a delight, the gifts a fun tradition...the music eases us into a spirit of Christmas...but the true meaning of Christmas lies in the hearts of each of us who have come to know Christ personally. That is the decoration and the gift and the enchanting melody that he wants us to draw upon. For to know Christ, and to truly love Christ is to allow Him the freedom to rearrange us....and transform us ...according to His purposes for His glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Here we are on December 1st....look around....is there anything you want to rearrange? Or want to be rearranged?
Need to make room for something ....or someone? Start with a prayer...and watch to see how Christ motivates you. He will give each of us the incentive to act upon His thoughts that will gradually come to our mind! He has a knack for moving things around to accomplish His perfect setting....but we first have make room for Him in our heart! And then submit our thoughts to Him in faith and trust.

Dear Lord...Rearrange me...so that that I will always have a place for you in my thoughts. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!