This is for all of you facing a not-picture-perfect Christmas (I know you're out there!! It's not just me!)
A few years ago, a little haiku came to me as I was contemplating contentment
Contentment is my surfboard,
Skimming turbulence;
Exhilarating!!
Contentment, I think, usually conjures up images of a cow in a field, chewing its cud. No worries.
But I find that it has a much more dynamic character, actually-----the character of Christ!
So this morning, when I awoke to a Christmas Eve with the same turbulence I've been facing since the end of March, I had to add a line to my haiku-----if contentment is my surfboard, discontent is my riptide:-(
Here's what I wrote in my journal:
12.24.11 Ugh. I can hardly muster a "Good Morning".
But knowing that it's You I'm greeting , I feel some measure of relief. I know You understand my heartbreak----better than I do! I am sore at all the stress----mostly emotional----that seems to go with this season. "Contentment is my surboard" indeed. As I reflect on it, it seems that I need to know well the character of contentment, and also how discontent enters. I need to recognize and rebuke the discontent. A powerful tool lately has been to rehearse the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. They are my Christmas ornaments this year! And to realize that "Think on these things" is not just an option, it's a necessity.
I think of Stu, and I see that in him I face a confusing outer layer of discontent. That's what he keeps showing me, and trying to get me to wrestle on that level. I think he must know peace on some level, though. His eyes reflect it, and sometimes he shares thoughts and prayers that show it.
As I pray for him once again this morning, I ask for connection with You, Lord, recognition and the relief that it brings. I pray for a deep humility to engulf him and win the war for his soul. I pray for the wisdom and courage to let go of him as I love him-----not really humanly possible, but You are the one who invented miracles:-) In You, all things are possible!
There, I feel better-----Once again, You have breathed life into me! Amen
Merry Christmas, my friends! There is reason to rejoice!
Merry Christmas, my friends! There is reason to rejoice!