Wow. Is it me, or does it feel like the New Year hit like a hurricane? I think that is the beauty of the break – we walk away from all the to-do lists for a short time and give our hearts to family and friends…loved ones. Then, when we turn back to the chores, emails, projects and schedules, it all ramps up with gail forces and I often then wonder, what in the world have I been doing these past weeks?
Don’t be fooled by that ol’ voice – the enemy’s old “wasted time” trick. Hopefully you’ve been right where you needed to be – giving time to those you love. And as you have, the enemy has been waiting – biding time – for the moment to sabotage your good heart with an attempt to give you a side order of guilt or accusation to kick off the New Year. Tell the waiter, I’m not taking this!… Inform him, I’m not buyin’!
Jesus made us a huge offer when he announced, I came that you may have life and have it to the full (abundant)- John 10:10b. First of all, may is a pretty important word. You know what it means: maybe, might, possibly… on a few conditions. Second, in that first part of John 10:10 “a”, Jesus says, The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but… Now but is another important word and you know what but means: contrary to, instead of, in contrast. The question then stands- if these are the options- a: Thief who steals and kills and destroys and b: Good Shepherd who gives Life… who gets to make the choice? We do! So, how’s that going?
Are you aware of the little foxes that come to steal, kill and destroy your joy, your full life? I dare say, if you aren’t aware of a choice, you can’t make it.
Some never enjoy the beauty of the break on the front end because the enemy has some of us so programmed to be busy, we cant enjoy the rest. Isn’t one of the very reasons we work so hard so that we are able to take a vacation, a break, and move intentionally toward family and friends? Way too often I’m more wired in as the 8th dwarf, Hi Ho, Hi Ho it’s off to work I go… all the time!
Do you know that voice of discontent you hear at your desk, Gosh, I wish I was on the golf course or at the spa. Then, when you’re actually at the golf course or the spa, the tune changes to, Gee, I really should be at work, soo much to do. Agree with either of them (that’s your choice) and the moment is soured. Others of us, the beauty of the break is arrested in the midst of the break. Christmas or New Years or any time away with family is infiltrated by moments of inconvenience or “hassle” or a sudden storm of unmet expectations rolls in. Bring a group of people together, especially family, and the thief feels more like thieves, a highly organized cartel of rustlers determined to steal the herd or at least the joy from the herd.
If the thieves can’t get you going into your break or during it then, you guessed it, they’ll try to pickpocket you on the way out. Knowing this can aid and equip us in making some really good choices.
Remember: the power of a lie is that you don’t know it’s a lie and that you believe it! Sort out the voices – these messages that come to your head and heart. Throw away the junk mail of accusations, guilt, diminishment and fear. Recognizing the good from the bad, the truth from the lie is critical. Then you can make a crucial choice. Keep the good stuff. The break it will give your heart will be beautiful!
