Wrapping Paper and Ribbons

Unwrapping gifts at Christmas at my house takes very little time! We are all excited to discover the gift inside the paper and ribbons. As I cleaned up the scattered and torn wrappings and bows under our Christmas tree yesterday morning, I wondered, who would have thought that the birth of a baby in a horse stable to an unwed teen and her fiance' would be a glorious gift to all of God's people? Really? What an unlikely package for such a gift. And yet, how like God to present us with something that appears to be a difficult situation; something awkward, hard, or unsavory.

In my life, God appears to delight in presenting me with the rough and unsightly packaging of gifts. This past year in particular, has been a year of gifts from God that have required trust and obedience. I have had to work hard to trust that the ugliness of a situation did indeed include the perfect gift. His gift giving is extravagant!

Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars,who does not change like their shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Happy Birthday Aidan and Leah

The two were born just short of 18 years apart and share a bond that knits them together forever. Leah and Aidan are incapable of seeing anyone else but each other in a crowded room, gazing at each other with identical eyes. Each year of Aidan's life, I have the privilege of celebrating their birthdays with Leah, Aidan, his adoptive parents and younger brother. The celebration reminds me of God's redemption and perfect plan for all of us.

Leah gave birth to Aidan 5 years ago tomorrow! I was with her every step of the way, weeping with her over her decision to let another family raise her son, but rejoicing in knowing that Kevin and Jana were designed by God to raise this precious baby boy.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

The Day In Between

The day in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday always feels odd to me. I want to say that "Christ is risen, He is risen indeed." But that is for tomorrow. And so today, I focused on cleaning my studio and then moved out to the garden where I cleared away dead material around the perennials so that the new green shoots have room to breathe. I am envious of my garden and studio. There is room to breathe. I want to breathe! I long to be made new.