Reader's Digest

 Today I sat down and picked up the Reader's Digest, trying to read an article, when my three year old cat, Carmel, crawled down my shoulder, made his way into my arms and laid there, while I read and held him.  

In a few minutes he gently got up and crawled right back up my right side and laid over my shoulder, much like a baby would do. He just made himself at home over my shoulder, resting his head there. 

Well, what could I do but put my reading down, cuddle him and smile, telling him how cute and loveable he was.  He just let me hold him for the longest time. 

Well, of course thoughts came:  "I wonder if this is what God does to us? Gently laying in our lap while we are in the midst of things, calmly trying to get our attention? And finally, when we are willing to give him a bit of our time, telling Him how wonderful and loving He is and how we love Him...then continue what we were doing."  Yes, these were my thoughts. 

Then it came to me, in the most ordinary ways and times God finds ways to get through to us. Sometimes we are doing other things and not even aware of His presence...until we ARE aware of His presence.  My thoughts continue: "We should all take time to pick up the Reader's Digest more often!" God used my furball to reach me today!  Thank you, Carmel!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Light

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  We are also in the middle of Hanukkah. Lots of "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" going around.  Lots of light in various forms. And then there is Ukraine and concerns with what Putin will do with all his threats of using nuclear arms. 

I think about how our freedom allows each of us to speak out loud, to express views without being murdered, to celebrate our religious traditions openly and many, many other things.  

Christmas brings many of us together and even if our families are at a distance there are many who look out for those who are "orphans" with no one with whom to celebrate. Sometimes the hours seem so long for those who are alone or in health facilities.  Their world feels so dark and bleak. 

Yes, the days bring busy-ness with company coming, baking, cooking and getting everything ready.  I have found, though, how much a simple phone call means to those who are widowed or single. It is amazing how that fills the caller's heart as well as the one being called.  These calls don't have to be long but to "reach out and touch someone" really is a gift that costs nothing but a few minutes of our time.  

Whether we are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah we can bring the love that God or Jesus is all about. This is a light for each of us and yet, how do we become light to others? Jesus came in a barn and stable.  In our own humble surroundings we can bring love and light to our world, too, no matter where we are! This year we can bring God's very light by reaching out to someone in our life who will appreciate knowing we love them! A blessed Christmas and holiday season to you and yours!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Assists

Many of you probably don't need to read this post but I bet there are a few who might!  Have you ever felt like you were running "behind the ball" of life more times than not rather than being ahead of it?  Some may be so organized that even Christmas decorating is done before Thanksgiving is over...there is probably a word for this but I won't get into that!!

Lately, I have been trying real hard to get ahead of the ballgame in several areas.  Since I didn't get my taxes for 2021 completed until October I have been hard at putting things in order rather than waiting until the last minute.  It works!  All that's left is December's deductions and then wait for the 1099's or whatever comes at the end of the year. 

Another area that just got a good organizing was my pantry shelves!  With the help of a friend who loves organizing, they now get a regular pause to just gaze at how nice they look! 

The last area is my prayer life.  Yes, even that begins to take a back seat with situations that throw a curve ball.  With the recommendation from a couple of sources I have several prayer books with a variety of readings and reflections I can use to stay on track with the time of year and church calendar.  It sure helps.  

You know, we have all sorts of "assists" in our life.  Think of it:  a cane, wash machine, electricity, car washes,...so why not use other assists in other areas?  Why not find someone to help with the clutter...all kinds of clutter.  Physical, emotional and spiritual. 

Sometimes we just need the resource of another person. That person might have an idea that could offer an immense helpful way to assist.  It sure helps!  Where is your clutter in life and what resource might help you? 

Courtesy of Pixabay