Do you know how "They say" --in December--one should never start a new diet or paint a room or start a new exercise program lest it push one over into Stress Land? Well, guess who's dieting and painting and exercising?

Yes, I am.

I mean, it's been Conviction City around here. God's been all over me to eat better (and less often), exercise regularly, laugh more, get my house in order, complain less and take some apple cider vinegar each day (or perhaps that one was just conviction from Naomi. heh).

So as I've finally given-in and begun obeying those convictions there's been a special grace upon me to do so. For after all, when God asks us to do a thing, He provides the will and the way and the strength to obey. But only if we cooperate with Him in His timing.

And wonder of wonders, surprise surprise, I've been feeling a zillion percent better. Imagine! Feeling better after obeying ones convictions. Who'd have thought it?

But alas. I am still not feeling any great conviction to do Christmas on a grand scale. You know, the decorating, the partying, the mega card writing, the caroling, the bleary-eyed Christmas special watching and all that. No, with each year comes less and less of a willingness and nudging to join in with all the Ho Ho Ho.


And each year, Christmas gets better and better.

Of course, I could be concerned about my lack of Bigtime Christmassing. Heaven knows some of my friends and relatives are. But you know? I've a feeling if God was concerned about it, He'd let me know. Loud and clear. The same way He's been handing out all those convictions I mentioned, above. And trust me, I'd listen-up and put on my Christmas face if He told me.

But He's not. So this December, Christmas will be simpler than last. I bought my gifts online, I'll mail a few Christmas cards, I'll enjoy your Christmas photos in your blogs, but I'll decorate a day or two before Naomi arrives for Christmas dinner. I'll go around humming Angels We Have Heard on High, I'll probably watch A Christmas Story on TBS on Christmas Day and I'll meditate upon the One whom we celebrate on December 25th.

And I'll call it Good.

And then I'll celebrate Christmas the other eleven months of the year in creative ways as I always prefer to do. After all, I believe Jesus came to make every month, every day, the most wonderful time of the year.



******************************************

Philip Gulley's latest Grace Talk is awesome. Read it here.

******************************************

Ack!!! Blogger is eating some of your comments. This is maddening. If your comment does not show up, feel free to leave it again, if you'd like, but please, please don't think I deleted it. I appreciate all your comments so much!